Daba, Odumakin, Oyetunde for World Cancer Day walk in Abuja
Project PINK BLUE, a cancer fighting non-governmental organization is joining the rest of the world to commemorate the 2018 World Cancer Day with two events, such as: World Cancer Day walk, race, cycle, ride, skate and marathon against cancer on Saturday 3rd February, 2018, 7:00am at Transcorp Hilton Abuja; and World Cancer Day Symposium & Panel of Discussion on Friday 9th February, 2018, 10:00am, Transcorp Hilton Abuja.
Sadiq Daba, a veteran broadcaster with Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and a popular TV star in the 1980s Cockcrow at Dawn drama is set to lead the awareness walk in Abuja.
Mr. Daba was diagnosed of Leukemia and later Prostate cancer in 2015. He was supported massively by Nigerians at home and abroad for his cancer treatment.
Adenike Oyetunde, a lawyer and a Nigeria Info On Air Personality was diagnosed of Osteogenic Sarcoma (bone cancer) in 2016; she loss one of her feet to her cancer treatment. However, cancer diagnosis is not stopping her, she has emerged to be one of Nigeria’s most inspirational OAPs. She is set to arrive Abuja for the walk.
Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, a women’s right activist and president of Women Arise who have played enviable roles in raising funds for Cancer patients including Sadiq Daba will also be in Abuja to lead the Walk.
Other high profile Nigerians and celebrities are expected to be at walk such as: Bryan Okwara, Recheal Okonkwo, Kemen of Big Brother Naija, Peace Emezue, Bassey of the Big Brother Naija, Dr. Joe Abah (former DG Bureau of Public Service Reforms), Chido Onumah, Dapo Olorunyomi, Ghana Must Go, Koboko, CP Sadiq Bello, Commissioner of Police FCT; and many others. Over 2000 Nigerians are expected at the awareness walk, which would kick off at Transcorp Hilton Abuja.
Free cancer screenings would also be available for people, and people are strongly encouraged to make donations to support cancer patients at the walk.
On Friday 9th February, 2018, World Cancer Day 2018 Symposium & Panel of Discussion will feature diversified high-level stakeholders to discuss what Nigeria has achieved in cancer care and what needs to be done. Prof. Isaac F. Adewole, Minister of Health is expected to launch Nigeria’s National Cancer Control Plan (2018 -2022). While Prof. P.O. Ebigbo, Board Chair of Project PINK BLUE will launch Upgrade Oncology: U.S. – Nigeria Science & Technology Exchange Program, a medical oncology training program funded by the United States Embassy in Nigeria. Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, the chair of the Senate Committee on Primary Health Care and Communicable Diseases and Sponsor of the bill for the establishment of National Institute for Cancer Research & Treatment will also speak on the bill signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari.
The theme for the stakeholder forum is “Sustainable Funding for Cancer Care and Treatment in Nigeria” while, Olutoyin Ojikutu Sakutu, Jumoke Ige Ogunde and Mojisola, members of the Nigerian Diaspora Connect Association (NDCA) will make presentation at the patient versus stakeholders panel of discussion.
According Runcie C.W. Chidebe, executive director of Project PINK BLUE, he said “this year we are more interested in matching talks with action, we have been talking a lot, we need to see progress, we need Federal Government to set up one stop comprehensive cancer care, we need National Health Insurance Scheme(NHIS) to cover cancer, we want the Nigeria’s National Cancer Control Plan to be budgeted for and implemented, we need Nigerians to engage in regular screenings, we need everyone to learn about cancer” .
In her remarks, Gloria Orji, President of the Abuja Breast Cancer Support Group (ABC-SG) and seven year breast cancer survivor, she said “research shows that they are over 100 types of cancer affecting diversified human parts, hence, anybody can be affected by cancer; it is on this premise that I urge all Nigerians to come out enmasse and let’s learn and demystify cancer”.
The World Cancer Day 2018 activities is organized in collaboration with Premium Times, U.S. Mission Nigeria, Transcorp Hilton Abuja, Dana Air, Premium Centre for Investigative Journalism (PTCIJ), BellaNaija and Federal Ministry of Health.
World Cancer Day is a global event commemorated every 4th February and recognized by United Nations and powered by Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). Project PINK BLUE has been organizing World Cancer Day events for several year, all enquiries about the event should be directed to [email protected] or call 08188347020. Please visit www.projectpinkblue.org to learn more about them.
