NEMA DG, Ministers Join Cancer Awareness Walk In Abuja, Urge Early Detection

The Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Zubaida Umar, has called on Nigerians to embrace regular medical screening, preventive healthcare and healthy lifestyles to reduce cancer-related deaths….

The Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Zubaida Umar, has called on Nigerians to embrace regular medical screening, preventive healthcare and healthy lifestyles to reduce cancer-related deaths.

Umar made the call on Saturday during the Medicaid Cancer Foundation’s cancer awareness road walk, tagged WalkAway Cancer 2026, in Abuja.

The event, themed “One Walk, One Fight”, attracted thousands of participants, including government officials, diplomats, health advocates and members of the public, to promote cancer awareness, early detection and prevention.

Among the dignitaries who participated were the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Mariya Mahmoud; Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Said Ahmad; and Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko.

Also present was the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Medicaid Cancer Foundation, Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu, who is also President of the Union for International Cancer Control.

Speaking at the event, NEMA Director-General Zubaida Umar commended the foundation for sustaining its advocacy and mobilising stakeholders towards greater public awareness and cancer prevention.

She stressed the importance of public enlightenment, preventive healthcare and early intervention in protecting lives, noting that preparedness and timely action were equally essential in addressing public health challenges.

Umar encouraged Nigerians to undergo regular health checks, adopt healthier lifestyles and support individuals and families affected by cancer.

In his remarks, Bagudu reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting the health and general welfare of Nigerians, stressing the need for collective action to address public health challenges.

The host, Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu, also called for sustained public enlightenment, regular medical screening and early diagnosis, noting that these measures were critical to reducing cancer-related deaths.

The annual awareness initiative seeks to encourage Nigerians to take a more proactive approach to cancer prevention and strengthen collective efforts to improve cancer awareness and care.

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