Chief Osita Chidoka, founder of the Nneka Chidoka Outreach Program (NCOP) and former Minister of Aviation, marked the 2025 World Cancer Day with a series of engagements in Abuja, urging policymakers and stakeholders to intensify efforts in the fight against cancer in Nigeria.
The event, hosted by the Honourable State Minister of State for Health, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, was jointly organised by the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Cancer Control Programme, and the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT).
Chidoka made the passionate appeal during a ministerial briefing at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, highlighting the need for stronger policies, increased funding, and expanded access to early detection and treatment for cancer patients.
Speaking on the global theme “United by Unique,” Chidoka urged the government, health stakeholders, and the public to translate grief and loss from cancer into meaningful action.
He highlighted the need for stronger policies, increased funding, and expanded access to early detection and treatment for cancer patients in Nigeria.
Drawing from a deeply personal experience, Chidoka recounted his late mother, Nneka Chidoka’s 15-year battle with cancer.
“Early diagnosis gave us time—time to fight, time to hope, time to cherish moments that might have been stolen too soon,” he said.
He noted that this personal journey has inspired the NCOP’s extensive work in cancer care, from providing free cancer screenings and early interventions to advocating for improved healthcare policies.
Chidoka revealed that NCOP’s efforts have extended beyond medical outreach to sustained advocacy at the National Assembly where he engaged the House Committee on Health, among others.
“We have championed increased funding for cancer treatment, research, and early detection programs,” he stated. “Our advocacy has focused on ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of financial standing, can access life-saving cancer treatment.”
The NCOP founder also engaged in discussions at the Federal Medical Centre, Jabi, and participated in the Project Pink programme at Transcorp Hilton, where he reiterated NCOP’s commitment to advocacy and free cancer screening initiatives.
“Cancer is not just a medical condition but a human struggle and a financial burden. No one should have to face it alone,” he stressed.
Chidoka also pledged NCOP’s continued advocacy until no Nigerian is denied life-saving treatment due to a lack of resources.
