By Sani Idris

Malam Ali Muhammad Ali,  the Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), has urged Nigerians to go for regular check-ups to facilitate prompt response to medical issues.

Ali, represented by the Agency’s Editor-in-Chief, Mr Ephraims Sheyin, made the call on Saturday in Kaduna during the unveiling of a foundation in memory of the late Hassana Yakubu, an editorial staff of NAN, who died of cancer in 2023.

The foundation, named “Hassy’s Haven Foundation”, was founded by the deceased ‘s twin sister, Hussaina Yakubu, also an editorial staff of the Agency in Kaduna.

Describing cancer as a deadly disease, Ali stressed that routine check-ups were not supposed to be taken for granted.

According to Ali, there are certain illnesses that could be tackled permanently, if only known on time.

Ali also listed trekking, drinking water adequately and eating a balanced diet as measures that could facilitate healthy living.

Speaking on education which formed one of the foundation’s programmes, the MD said it was a good initiative that would empower individuals to build sustainable future.

He commended Hussaina for the commitment and loyalty to her late twin sister throughout her struggle in fighting the disease, which eventually took her life.

Ali made a cash donation to the foundation’s coffers, while assuring her of NAN’s support in the coverage of all the foundation’s activities.

Also, the Controller General of Customs, Mr Bashir Adeniyi, assured of his support and dedication to the cause of the initiative.

Adeniyi, represented by the Comptroller, Federal Operations Unit, Zone ‘B’ Kaduna, Mr Chedi Wada, said the foundation symbolises hope, resilience and the unwavering spirit of those who are fighting cancer.

“It will serve as a haven, a place where these young women can find solace, support and the care they deserve,” he said.

Speaking further, the comptroller-general said launching a foundation of such nature required lots of finances.

Reflecting on the journey of late Hassana, he said, the service was reminded of the importance of unity and support.

“It is through our collective efforts that we can truly make a lasting impact.

”I urge you all to open your hearts and minds and join hands with Hassy’s Haven Foundation; together, let us create a community of care, compassion, and transformation.

“We should also support such initiatives; it is part of our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in the Nigeria Customs Service to engage in relevant issues that are of value addition to the citizens of the country,” he said.

Earlier, the founder of the foundation, Hussaina, had said that she was inspired by her late twin sister, who battled cancer of the throat for eight years.

The twin sister, who spoke emotionally, said, “experiencing the struggles, pains, and challenges associated with the disease was terrifying”.

She, therefore, said the foundation was established in her late twin sister’s memory to support those facing similar battles.

Yakubu said the initiative would cover the provision of welfare and support for the less privileged female members of the society.

She said, “the foundation aims to provide hope, resilience, and ensure that no one faces challenges alone.

“Hassy’s Haven Foundation will serve as a gentle tribute to late Hassana, seeking to preserve her memory.

”It signifies a comforting haven for orphans, less privileged girls, and widows.”

NAN reports that present at the event were top management staff of the agency, government officials, community leaders, among others, who donated to the cause of the foundation.

Cancer is a large group of diseases that can start in almost any organ or tissue of the body when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably, go beyond their usual boundaries to invade adjoining parts of the body and/or spread to other organs.

The latter process is called metastasizing and is a major cause of death from cancer. A neoplasm and malignant tumours are other common names for cancer.

Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, accounting for an estimated 9.6 million deaths, or 1 in 6 deaths, in 2018.

Lung, prostate, colorectal, stomach and liver cancer are the most common types of cancer in men, while breast, colorectal, lung, cervical and thyroid cancer are the most common among women.

The cancer burden continues to grow globally, exerting tremendous physical, emotional and financial strain on individuals, families, communities and health systems.

Many health systems in low- and middle-income countries are least prepared to manage this burden, and large numbers of cancer patients globally do not have access to timely quality diagnosis and treatment.

In countries where health systems are strong, survival rates of many types of cancers are improving thanks to accessible early detection, quality treatment and survivorship care. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)