The Commandant of the National Defence College (NDC), Rear Admiral Abdullahi Ahmed has emphasised the need to bridge the gap between traditional and modern medicine in the fight against cancer, noting that both approaches can complement each other in providing hope.
Rear Admiral Ahmed made this known during the 2026 World Cancer Day Sensitisation Lecture and Free Cancer Screening Programme organised by the National Defence College in collaboration with the NDC Officers Wives Association in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
He explained that the initiative was aimed at reconciling the two strands of medical practice, scientific and traditional, so that patients can benefit from a holistic approach to treatment.
According to him, the programme has helped participants understand that cancer is not necessarily a death sentence.
“At the end of the programme, people have now realized that there can be remedies, and I feel fulfilled that hope has been restored to many,” he said.
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The Commandant noted that the event was part of activities marking World Cancer Day, celebrated globally on February 4.
He stressed that the commemoration was designed to increase awareness about cancer, encourage prevention and early detection, support those affected, and advocate for research and improved treatment options.
This year’s lecture, he explained, was unique because it featured two perspectives: the conventional scientific approach and the cultural/traditional perspective, also known as complementary medicine. “From my days as a young officer until now, we only listened to one aspect of the modern medical approach. But we decided to bring in an additional resource person from Maiduguri to share insights from our cultural heritage,” Ahmed stated.
The traditional practitioner, he said, “has been instrumental in helping patients who had lost hope, offering solutions that have proven beneficial”.
Ahmed revealed that several countries, including the United States and China, have attempted to lure the practitioner abroad, but he has remained in Nigeria out of patriotism.
Rear Admiral Ahmed concluded that the collaboration between modern and traditional medicine is a step toward a more inclusive and effective fight against cancer. He urged Nigerians to embrace both perspectives, stressing that unity in medical practice would strengthen the nation’s capacity to combat the disease and provide comfort to those affected
The Coordinator National Defence College Officers Wives Association, Hauwa Ahmad, called on women and others to be checking themselves at least annually as early detection is the best.
“We sincerely appreciate the command of the National Defence College for its unwavering support and encouragement towards this initiative that promotes the health and well-being of our communities,” she said.