Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, wife of the Minister of Budget and National Planning and founder of the Medicaid Cancer Foundation, alongside the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, led a “One Walk, One Fight” awareness walk to tackle cancer in Africa.
The walk, themed ‘Walk Away Cancer’, took place on Saturday in Abuja, drawing thousands of participants from across the country. Dr. Shinkafi-Bagudu called for collective action against the disease, urging governments, National and State Assemblies, and development partners to provide funding and support for initiatives aimed at achieving zero tolerance for cancer in Africa.
“The walk aims to galvanize communities, raise awareness, and show that cancer survivors have a place in society,” she said. “Many are thriving, proving that cancer is not only curable but also preventable if detected early.”
Special Adviser to the President on Health, Salma Anas, reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to combating cancer through the Renewed Hope Agenda, highlighting plans to establish diagnostic centres across all geopolitical zones. She urged Nigerians to undergo regular screenings, emphasizing that early detection saves lives.
Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, stressed the importance of collaboration in the fight against cancer. “It takes collective effort to achieve meaningful results in healthcare. Walking together demonstrates solidarity, support, and our commitment to eliminating cancer in Nigeria,” she said.
Mrs. Fatima Abbas, wife of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, commended Dr. Shinkafi-Bagudu for her tireless work through the Medicaid Cancer Foundation, praising her advocacy, community mobilization, and support for patients. “Your leadership has touched countless lives and provided hope to those battling cancer,” Abbas said. She also lauded stakeholders who participated in the walk, highlighting the importance of ensuring that no one faces cancer alone.
Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, called on Nigerians to acknowledge cancer as a reality, stressing that it is both preventable and curable if detected early. Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, urged citizens to support the initiative and promote a zero-tolerance approach to cancer.
The walk featured free human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations and eye tests, reinforcing its dual focus on cancer prevention and general health awareness.
