Stakeholders have stressed the need for the global community to support funding initiatives to combat cancer in African countries.
This call was made at the historic Cancer Awareness Walk themed “One Walk, One Fight,” held yesterday in Abuja.
The event brought together dignitaries, wives of governors, members of the National Assembly, politicians, serving ministers, business leaders, captains of industry, development partners and many others.
At the event, Senator Atiku Bagudu, minister of Budget and National Planning, reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to strengthening the country’s healthcare system.
Atiku commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his reforms and achievements in improving healthcare delivery, boosting the economy, creating jobs, and addressing insecurity across the country.
“I congratulate all Nigerians, and indeed all global citizens, who have taken it upon themselves to mobilise for change — to transform someone’s life, or even our own lives. This initiative, led by no less than Her Excellency, the president of the Union for International Cancer Control, is supported by the Mother of the Nation, the First Lady of the Federal Republic, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.”
He said, “Under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, great things are happening in Nigeria.
What we have seen today from the wives of governors, elders, youth and everyone in between is a strong message that we can mobilise, make a difference and change lives,” he said.
The chairman of the National Sports Commission, Abdullahi Dikko, said the event marked the 11th year of the Medicaid Cancer Foundation’s annual awareness walk, one of the largest in Africa.
He called on Nigerians to support the initiative and promote a culture of zero tolerance for cancer.
The minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Iman Suleiman, praised Nigerian women for their commitment, saying, “It’s not easy to organise something like this for 11 consecutive years. It takes planning, dedication and commitment.”
The founder of Medicaid Cancer Foundation and wife of the minister of Budget and National Planning, Dr Zainab Atiku Bagudu, commended Mrs Tinubu for her continued support of the Foundation’s awareness initiatives.
“What is most needed in cancer care is awareness,” Dr Bagudu said. “Today, we have seen thousands of people from different places converge to raise awareness and show the world that cancer survivors have a place in our society. Many are thriving, proving that cancer is not only curable but also preventable.”
