Stakeholders from across various sectors of the global community have underscored the critical necessity of supporting funding initiatives aimed at combating cancer in African countries. This urgent appeal was made during the momentous Cancer Awareness Walk, aptly themed “One Walk, One Fight,” which took place recently in Abuja. The event served as a significant gathering, drawing together a diverse array of influential figures, including dignitaries, wives of governors, members of the National Assembly, prominent politicians, serving ministers, leading business figures, captains of industry, and essential development partners, among many others, all united for a common cause.

During the walk, Senator Atiku Bagudu, who holds the portfolio of Minister of Budget and National Planning, reiterated the federal government’s unwavering dedication to enhancing and strengthening the nation’s healthcare system. Minister Bagudu specifically lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his proactive reforms and notable achievements in the vital areas of improving healthcare delivery, stimulating economic growth, fostering job creation, and effectively addressing the pervasive issue of insecurity across Nigeria. He extended his congratulations to all Nigerians and indeed to all global citizens who have committed themselves to mobilizing for positive change, with the goal of transforming individual lives and collectively improving society.

The Minister highlighted that this particular initiative, spearheaded by Her Excellency, the President of the Union for International Cancer Control, receives invaluable support from the First Lady of the Federal Republic, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who is revered as the Mother of the Nation. Senator Bagudu emphasized, “Under the dynamic leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, remarkable advancements are taking place throughout Nigeria. The overwhelming participation witnessed today, from the wives of governors, elders, youth, and every demographic in between, sends a powerful message that collective mobilization can indeed make a profound difference and positively change lives.”

Abdullahi Dikko, the chairman of the National Sports Commission, marked the occasion by noting that the event signified the 11th consecutive year of the Medicaid Cancer Foundation’s annual awareness walk, recognized as one of the largest of its kind across Africa. He passionately urged all Nigerians to lend their full support to this vital initiative and to actively cultivate a societal culture that embraces zero tolerance for cancer. Echoing sentiments of appreciation, Hajiya Iman Suleiman, the Minister of Women Affairs, commended Nigerian women for their profound commitment and organizational prowess, stating, “It’s not an easy feat to organize something of this magnitude for 11 consecutive years. Such an endeavor unequivocally demands meticulous planning, unwavering dedication, and sustained commitment.”

Dr. Zainab Atiku Bagudu, who is the founder of the Medicaid Cancer Foundation and the wife of the Minister of Budget and National Planning, expressed her sincere gratitude to Mrs. Tinubu for her continuous and steadfast support of the Foundation’s crucial awareness initiatives. Dr. Bagudu articulated her firm belief that “What is most needed in cancer care is awareness.” She further observed, “Today, we have witnessed thousands of individuals from diverse backgrounds converge to elevate awareness and demonstrate to the world that cancer survivors hold a rightful and respected place in our society. Many are not only surviving but thriving, unequivocally proving that cancer is not only curable but, in many instances, also preventable.”