Prominent Nigerians, including first ladies, diplomats, government officials, development partners, and cancer survivors, on Saturday joined the 11th Medicaid Cancer Awareness Walk in Abuja to raise awareness about the disease.
They declared that cancer is beatable and together, Nigerians are unbeatable.
The annual walk, organised by the Medicaid Cancer Foundation, aims to promote early detection, encourage regular screening, and strengthen support for cancer patients and survivors across the country.
The First Lady of Imo State and Chairperson of the First Ladies Against Cancer (FLAC), Mrs. Chioma Uzodinma, reaffirmed the coalition’s commitment to sustained advocacy and patient support.
Mrs. Uzodinma said: “We are doing advocacy work, supporting cancer patients and survivors, and together we can beat cancer. Remember to go and check yourselves, go for screening exercises — early detection saves lives. One walk, one fight.”
She lauded the convener, Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, for her leadership and expressed gratitude to Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her unprecedented N1 billion support towards cancer care.
The Special Adviser to the President on Health, Dr. Salma Anas, reaffirmed government’s commitment under the Renewed Hope Agenda, urging Nigerians to go for screening and stressing that early detection saves lives.
She said; “Your fight is our fight, the President is committed to walking away cancer, to stop cancer in Nigeria. If you have cancer, you have access to treatment, the president has it in all of our zones, we have cancer care, cancer treatment, cancer diagnostics.”
Cuban Ambassador, Maria Morales, in a goodwill message, said, “We are here once again in support of this important campaign against cancer, against all diseases of our sector, women and ladies.”
Dr. Lola Adeyemi, representing the Minister of State for Health noted that, Medicaid Cancer Foundation is such an important partner to the Nigerian government.
She said; “We completely support this initiative, and we hope that everybody will continue to support Medicaid Foundation.”
Director-General, NICRAT, Professor Usman Aliyu, commended the organiser for helping to raise awareness on cancer.
“So that Nigerians, wherever they are, regardless of which work they are doing, will come together to assist the government and the NGOs in walking away cancer in Nigeria,”he said.
Mandate Secretary for Health (FCT), Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, representing the FCT Minister said, “We must match advocacy with tangible services. Visit any of our 14 general hospitals, especially for the first 100 persons who visit our stands, if you suspect anything. If it looks like what you have heard today, you will be seen and treated for free because early detection saves lives.”
Also, Director-General, CBAAC, Aisha Augie, said creativity is a viable tool for advocacy for young people.
“We’ve been able to use the Walk Away Cancer to gain a lot of awareness, that’s why you see the artistes here, you see supporters, you see celebrities, because that is what attracts young people, it makes people happy while they are learning and saving lives,” she stated.
Country Director, Girl Effect, Boladale Akin-Kolapo said the mammoth female participation to the finish line shows the resilience of the Nigerian women.
Akin-Kolapo said; “Early detection is key and we need the support of our stakeholders, our government. Budgetary allocation towards cancer treatment is what we are pushing for and we know together we can do this.”
Africa Regional Director, Pathfinder International, Dr. Amina Dorayi said that the scourge of cancer and its impact on families and the economy deserve continual spotlight.
She said; “We call on the ministries and agencies and the government at large to support Medicaid Cancer Foundation and support all of us to be able to ensure that cancer is, you know, at the top of the agenda because it is preventable if detected early.”
Wife of the Minister for Regional Development, Hajiya Jumai Momoh said; “When we detect it early, it’s half solved. At least when you’re above 40, you should be doing your check-up constantly.”
Several youths shared what inspired their participation.
Anne Ekperege said, “The reason why I participated is because I felt like there was a need for, first of all, cancer awareness and also inclusivity when it comes to awareness for those who are actually suffering from cancer right now. That’s why I participated.”
Gloria Ugwu noted, “I lost my mom in July of this year because of cancer, so that’s why I joined.”
Rahinaat Mohammed stated, “It’s more like giving back to society. It’s cancer awareness walk for those that are not aware, so that they will be aware, all of us can add and do better.”
Kabirat Lawal added, “I had my random blood sugar checked and hepatitis B and C. Because I’m actually an advocate of early detection and I keep telling people around me that they actually need to get checked and this is a very good initiative to actually help eradicate cancer, like to create more awareness.”
The event, which attracted a large turnout of youths, artistes, and health advocates, featured solidarity messages, health screenings, and awareness activities aimed at reducing the burden of cancer in Nigeria.
Organisers reiterated the need for continued public education and stronger partnerships to make cancer care accessible and affordable for all Nigerians.