- Assesses Aiyedatiwa’s Leadership
- Speaks on governance in Ondo, Tinubu’s Presidency
- Shares insight into her business, political ambition
Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu is the former First Lady of Ondo State and widow of the late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, the former Governor of Ondo State. She recently shared her inspiring journey of survival and triumph over cancer, emphasizing her belief in medical science over spiritual practices. In this exclusive interview with our Publisher, Olumide Akinrinlola, she spoke candidly about her coping mechanisms, mindset, and reflections on spirituality amidst her health challenges. Additionally, she expressed her political ambitions, criticised the current administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, describing it as “rudderless,” and voiced her concerns regarding the performance of President Bola Tinubu’s government.
Coping Mechanisms: Since you don’t believe in spiritual practices, what coping mechanisms did you find most effective in managing emotional challenges, especially the fear and anxiety that arose after your cancer diagnosis?
Ans: After my diagnosis, I began to read extensively about cancer, particularly breast cancer, exploring cancer websites, Cochrane publications, and more. This research opened my eyes to the experiences of others and the various ways people were fighting the disease. In Nigeria, discussions around cancer were often hushed; people would get cancer and die, and when someone was successfully treated, they seldom spoke about it. Everyone was kept in the dark. The country was silent, but when I was diagnosed, I refused to be part of that silence. This inspired me to found the Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN) in 1997, just six months after I was discharged from the hospital. International cancer organizations such as UICC, NBCC, Susan G. Komen, Alamo Breast Cancer Foundation, AACR, and ASCO began to take notice of BRECAN, resulting in a flurry of all-expenses-paid invitations to conferences. This exposure expanded my understanding of cancer, its biology and behavior, and advances in research on how to combat the disease and improve survival.
Lifestyle changes, including a diet with zero sugar, zero processed carbohydrates, and fat, along with increased intake of fruits and vegetables and regular exercise, were challenging to implement. However, my determination to live and raise my young children compelled me to make these changes.
The formation of organizations and ensuring their sustainability kept me busy, challenging and building my intellectual and emotional capacities. I am the founder of several thriving non-governmental organizations: BRECAN (1997), Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu Foundation (2009), and BEMORE (Bemore Empowered Girls Foundation, 2017).
Furthermore, I am a practicing aquaculturist with a research interest in applying solar energy to increase fish production. I am also a hands-on catfish breeder. With solar technology at our fingertips, we no longer worry about NEPA, BEDC, or any other power provider. It’s hatch, hatch, hatch—24/7, 365 days—and I derive immense joy from producing fingerlings for farmers.
In conclusion, I can say, without any equivocation, that I have coped very well.
Mindset and Faith: You mentioned the importance of mindset in your recovery. How do you think a strong belief in oneself compares to faith in spiritual practices when facing health challenges?
Ans: I have always been a precocious child, as my parents described. I was not shy or timid, but rather an inquisitive girl who asked many questions without fear. To crown it all, I studied Zoology for my first degree, where I took courses in genetics and cytogenetics. My academic background made it easier for me to understand cancer biology and behavior. Therefore, it became practically impossible for me to believe that cancer could be caused by juju or spiritual attacks.
When people suggested going to church or consulting a spiritualist, I simply ignored them because they were entirely ignorant. “You cannot pray away breast cancer or any cancer at all,” quote me! I may not be familiar with other diseases, but when it comes to cancer, I can confidently say that I understand the behavior of the disease. Cancer progresses over time and in four stages. Climbing mountains or performing rituals is simply a waste of time while cancer cells are multiplying. The earlier you detect, present, and treat it, the better your chances of survival.
Challenges of Non-Belief:
Did you face any criticism or pushback from those who felt that your lack of spiritual belief was a disadvantage during the late Governor Akeredolu’s battle with cancer?
Ans: When it comes to religion, I tell people to keep to their lanes while I keep mine. Aketi understood me, and we managed our differences, yet we had a happy marriage. He was religious, while I wasn’t. I was wired differently, and I make no apologies for that.
Spiritual Practices: Is it true that you disapproved of prayers and rejected all spiritual assistance during Akeredolu’s battle with cancer?
Ans: What came out of their mountain climbing, “blessed” handkerchiefs, water, olive oil, etc., from the GOs and all the noisy prayers like people possessed by demons? If Aketi had listened to me, I wouldn’t be a widow.
Learning from Experiences:
Looking back on your life journey so far, have your views on spirituality changed at all, or do you maintain your original stance?
Ans: Change? Never! Not with my experience watching Aketi battle prostate cancer. If anything, it confirms that cancer is a medical issue. It’s neither juju nor a spiritual attack. My advice to the public is to pay attention to cancer news to be educated. Don’t say it’s not your portion or that you’re covered by the blood of Jesus or that you are a daughter of Zion. Be encouraged to go for cancer screening for early detection, and if cancer is suspected, go to the hospital for presentation and treatment. Don’t waste your time running to any pastor.
A pastor is not a doctor; he understands nothing about cancer. He can only pray, and prayers don’t cure cancer. Consult a doctor—not just any doctor, but a doctor who specializes in cancer cases. They are available at University Teaching Hospitals or Federal Medical Centres.
Ondo State Politics:
Regarding Ondo State politics, some people have said (not our opinion), that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa is not in charge of governance and that his Finance Commissioner has taken over. What’s your reaction to this?
Ans: No comments. However, it’s worth noting that this same Commissioner was sacked from her position during Aketi’s first administration for financial malfeasance. You can connect the dots as to why Lucky brought her back. We are watching.
Appraisal of Governance:
Can you appraise Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration in one sentence?
Ans: Rudderless.
Assessment of Federal Government: Is it true that the government of President Bola Tinubu is the best thing that has ever happened to Nigeria?
Ans: Only those benefiting would say that. You don’t need a soothsayer to tell you that all is not well in the country.
Senatorial Ambition:
Are you still interested in pursuing your senatorial ambition?
Ans: Absolutely! 💯
Encouragement for Others on Health Matters: What advice would you give to individuals who may be struggling with their spiritual beliefs while dealing with a health crisis?
Ans: Recognizing that spiritual or religious beliefs are like an opiate for many Nigerians, it would be foolhardy to advise otherwise. My take is that while people may believe in whatever they want, they should consult a doctor when faced with health challenges. Without a doubt, medical advances have resolved numerous health challenges we face today. Research continues in other parts of the world to determine the genesis of diseases and ways to manage them, enabling humans to enjoy a longer lifespan. Sadly, evidence-based research is not on Nigeria’s radar, leading to the emergence of faith healers nationwide, with no end in sight. What a country!
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