By Angela Atabo
Dr Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, Wife of the Minister of Budget and National Planning and the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, have joined other women to lead a “One Walk, One Fight” walk awareness in tackling cancer in Africa.
The Founder of Medicaid Cancer Foundation, Shinkafi-Bagudu, called for collective action against the dreaded disease during the walk with the theme: ‘Walk Away Cancer’, on Saturday in Abuja.
She also called on governments at all levels, state and national assemblies as well as development partners to release funds and support the initiative in order to achieve zero tolerance of the deadliest disease in Africa.
According to her, the walk is to galvanise thousands of people from different places to create awareness of cancer and also to show the world that survivors of cancer have a place.
“We have a lot of them improving, creating more confidence that cancer is not only curable, but it can also be prevented.
“This is to also let others know that cancer is preventable and it is curable if detected early,” she said.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the President on Health, Salma Anas, reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to tackling cancer under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
She said, “The president is committed to stopping cancer in Nigeria through the provision of diagnostic centres across all the geopolitical zones of the country.”
Anas further assured people who have cancer that they could access all the diagnostic centres to have access to treatment.
She called on Nigerians to go for screening as early detection would save their lives.
The Minister of Women Affairs, Sulaiman-Ibrahim, emphasised the need for early detection of cancer, adding that it was beatable.
She stressed the need for collaboration to fight cancer, adding, “It takes collective efforts for us to be able to achieve a lot in the health sector.
“This is to show solidarity. When we walk together and show support for one another, we can eliminate cancer from Nigeria,” she said.
In her remarks, the Wife of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mrs Fatima Abbas, expressed her support to curbing cancer in Nigeria.
She said, “We stand together to raise awareness, to support research and to bring hope to those battling with cancer disease.”
She commended Shinkafi-Bagudu for her tireless efforts in combating cancer in Nigeria adding that it has not gone unnoticed.
Abbas added, “Through your Medicaid Cancer Foundation, you have touched countless lives, provided physical support, care and advocacy to those affected by cancer.
“Your leadership and action have made a significant impact in the fight against cancer.
“You have mobilised communities, raised awareness and promoted early detection and prevention.
“Your work is a beacon of hope for those living with cancer and we salute you for your unwavering dedication.”
She also commended all the stakeholders for coming out to show solidarity and commitment to the cause and for fighting to ensure that no one faces cancer alone, that everyone has access to quality care and that a cure for this disease is found.
The Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Yusuf Sununu, called on Nigerians to accept the fact that cancer is a reality and that cancer is not a death sentence.
Sununu added that cancer was also both preventive and curable if detected early.
The Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, urged Nigerians to support the cancer walk initiative and ensure zero tolerance in the country.
One of the highlights of the “One Walk, One Fight” cancer walk awareness was the free human papillomavirus vaccines and free eye test. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani
