Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has praised efforts to combat cancer through awareness and early detection, calling such initiatives a fitting tribute to loved ones lost to the disease.
Obasanjo spoke on Sunday at an event organized by ‘Lagos to the World Initiative’ at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta, held in memory of the founder’s mother and sister, both of whom died of cancer.
He commended the family for transforming personal loss into a life-saving campaign that promotes cancer awareness and encourages early detection.
According to him, many would have accepted the loss and moved on, but the family chose to create a meaningful intervention to benefit others.
“You lost your mother and sister to cancer. Many might have said there was nothing they could do, but you thought of this innovative way to make a difference,” he said.
He urged the organizers and supporters of the initiative to sustain their efforts toward cancer prevention, awareness, and management.
Obasanjo also emphasized the importance of healthy living, regular medical check-ups, and early disease detection.
He noted that many illnesses, though not always curable, can be effectively managed when detected early and properly monitored.
He expressed concern that many neglect routine medical tests, despite their critical role in preventing serious health issues.
At the event, Nigerian adventurer and founder of the Lagos to the World expedition, Erik Nwagwu, announced plans for a global road trip aimed at promoting prostate cancer awareness and African unity.
Nwagwu explained that the expedition would be carried out in three phases, starting with a Lagos-Accra trip before returning to Nigeria.
The second phase would take him to Senegal and back, while the final phase would cover Africa, Europe, Asia, North America, Central America, South America, and Australia.
He said the journey would conclude with a return drive from South Africa to Lagos.
The expedition is dedicated to the memory of Nwagwu’s late mother and sister and aims to raise awareness about prostate cancer.
He described prostate cancer as one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among men in Sub-Saharan Africa, attributing many fatalities to low screening rates and late detection.
“Awareness is crucial because many people do not undergo regular testing,” he said.
Nwagwu indicated that the campaign is being implemented in partnership with Axa Mansard Insurance, BMW Club Nigeria, and Zuri Health.
He revealed that these partners are offering free prostate cancer screenings, along with checks for blood sugar, blood pressure, and body mass index.
A screening event has already taken place in Lagos, with a larger program scheduled for Accra on June 6.
Nwagwu urged men aged 40 and above to undergo annual Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) tests to improve early detection and treatment chances.
He expressed optimism that the expedition would foster conversations about health, unity, and Africa’s potential on the global stage.
