Wife of the Minister of Budget and National Planning and former Governor of Kebbi State, Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, Minister of Women Affairs Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman- Ibrahim, Wife of the Speaker or House of Representative, Mrs Fatimah Abbas Tajudeen, Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, Special Adviser to the President on Health, Salma Anas amongst other dignitaries have led a “One walk, One fight” walk awareness in tackling cancer in Africa.
The founder of the Medicaid Cancer Foundation, Dr. Shinkafi-Bagudu, during the walk in Abuja on Saturday with theme: “Walk Away Cancer”, called on government, state National Assembly and development partners to release funds and support the initiative in order to achieve zero tolerance of the deadliest disease of cancer in the entire africa.
She said the walk was to showcase 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 and to let others know that cancer is preventable, is curable if detected early,” she said.
Also, Special Adviser to the President on Health, Salma Anas, assured that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu under his Renewed Hope Agenda was committed to stop cancer in Nigeria through the provision of diagnostic centres across all the geopolitical zones of the country.
She further assured people who have cancer that they can access all the diagnostic centres and also have access to treament, urging everyone to go for screening because early detection saves lives.
Also, the Minister of Women Affairs Hajiya Imaan Suleiman Ibrahim said cancer is beatable, but they are unbeatable.
She assured that they have to continue to work together to fight against cancer but it takes collective efforts for us to be able to achieve alot 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.
Also, Wife of the Speaker ot House of Representative, Mrs Fatimah Tajudeen Abbas, said they stand together to raise awareness, to support research and to bring hope to those battling with cancer disease.
She commended Mrs Bagudu for her tireless efforts to combat cancer in Nigeria which has not gone unnoticed.
“Your passion, education and commitment to this cause are an inspiration to us all. 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 mobilized 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.
“We have come to show our support. For solidarity and commitment to this cause, we fight to ensure that no one faces cancer alone, that everyone has access to quality care and that we find a cure for this disease,” she said.
Also, Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, urged Nigerians to recognise that cancer is a reality and that cancer is not a death sentence adding that it is also both preventive and curable if detected early.
Also, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikk, called on all Nigerians to support the cancer walk initiative and ensure zero tolerance in the country.
Other highlights of the cancer walk awareness was the free HPV vaccines and free eye test .
