Health
Over 200 IDPs Benefit from NCFRMI, Cormode Cancer Foundation Cancer Awareness Initiative for women, Girls in FCT
By Joel Ajayi
More than 200 internally displaced persons (IDPs) participated in a cancer awareness campaign organized by the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) in collaboration with the Cormode Cancer Foundation. The initiative aimed to educate young people about cancer prevention and early detection.
During the awareness program held for IDP women and girls at the Durumi IDP camp, Tijani Aliyu, the Federal Commissioner for the Commission, emphasized that the initiative would enhance the health and well-being of displaced persons, reduce the stigma associated with cancer, and empower young people to become advocates for cancer awareness.
“When you provide information, you provide knowledge for the younger generation at an early stage, which means 50% of the problem is being solved,” Aliyu stated. “That’s why we have chosen to focus on children. Cancer is a deadly disease, and this awareness initiative aims to equip young people with the understanding they need about what cancer is.”
He added, “I hope the knowledge we impart today will help our children better understand cancer. We will not stop here; we have over 100 campaigns across the nation, and we will ensure that IDPs and refugees benefit from this opportunity.”
Aliyu commended the Cormode Cancer Foundation for their partnership, which aligns with the Commission’s goal of improving the health and well-being of displaced persons.
“We are delighted to partner with the Cormode Cancer Foundation to address the critical issue of cancer awareness in our IDP camps and host communities. By educating the youth about cancer, we aim to foster a healthier future and reduce the stigma associated with this disease.”
He, however said that the commission will not spare any resources toward well being of IDPs, Refugees in the Country: “We are not going to stop here,we have more than 100 IDPs across the nations, we will make sure that we cover all to ensure the IDPs and Refuge benefit from this opportunity.”
In her address, Dr. Denise Ejoh, founder of the Cormode Cancer Foundation, explained that the project is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of those affected by cancer, particularly in vulnerable communities. “If we don’t teach children early about cancer, who will inform them when they or their communities are affected? Currently, one in two people will be diagnosed with cancer worldwide,” she remarked.
Dr. Ejoh continued, “This campaign is now a global initiative, encouraging better knowledge of cancer among everyone. If you teach children, they will educate their parents. Teaching children about cancer can significantly improve their ability to recognize it early if it arises in their lives.”
During the event, the Cormode Foundation launched the Cormode Cancer Champions Clubs in secondary schools across the country to further educate young people about cancer prevention and early detection. Dr. Ejoh revealed that the clubs will serve as platforms for disseminating critical information, providing emotional support, and fostering a community of informed and proactive individuals.
Health
Football Legends to Light Up Nigeria in NICRAT’s World Soccer Legends Cancer Match
By Joel Ajayi
Nigeria is set to witness a football spectacle as some of the world’s greatest football legends converge for the First World Soccer Legends War Against Cancer International Charity Football Match Nigeria 2026.
The star-studded event, backed by the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), is designed to combine football entertainment with a major campaign to raise cancer awareness, promote early detection and mobilise resources for prevention and treatment.
The initiative, themed “Play for Prevention, Score for Life,” was unveiled on Wednesday in Abuja with the official launch of the event logo, kits and a 60-day countdown to the international charity match.
The campaign is expected to feature former international football stars while bringing together cancer advocates, government institutions, corporate organisations, development partners and other stakeholders in a united effort against the disease.
Speaking on behalf of NICRAT Director-General, Prof. Usman Aliyu, Dr Margaret Sawyer said the institute was supporting the initiative because of its potential to take cancer-awareness messages to millions of Nigerians.
She said the campaign would go beyond fundraising by educating Nigerians on cancer prevention, early detection and the need to seek medical attention promptly.
According to her, football offers a unique platform for reaching diverse communities, while the influence of football legends could help deliver important health messages to a wider audience.
Earlier, National Coordinator of the Main Organising Committee (MOC), Mr Jacob Onu, said the event was conceived to transcend the boundaries of sport and evolve into a national and international movement against cancer.
Onu said the participation of former football stars would amplify messages on cancer prevention, screening, treatment, research and support for patients and survivors.
He added that the event would also celebrate life, honour those who had lost their lives to cancer and inspire survivors and people currently battling the disease.
“Together, through football, compassion and collective action, we can win the War Against Cancer,” he said.
Onu called on Nigerians across the 774 local government areas to become ambassadors of the campaign by promoting healthy lifestyles, regular medical checks and early medical intervention.
He also appealed to corporate organisations, philanthropists, international organisations, football stakeholders, media organisations and development partners to support the initiative.
The MOC coordinator commended NICRAT, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), sponsors, partners and other stakeholders for their support.
He assured that the organising committee would deliver an event capable of meeting international standards while creating a lasting legacy in cancer awareness, advocacy, humanitarian support and sports development.
In his goodwill message, President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Engr. Habu Gumel, expressed concern over the rising global cancer burden and called for sustained action beyond the charity match.
Gumel urged the organisers to extend the campaign beyond Abuja to communities across the 36 states, while calling on governments at all levels to strengthen cancer prevention, screening and treatment.
The NOC president pledged his support for the initiative and encouraged Nigerians to make regular cancer screening and periodic health checks a priority.
Also speaking, Director of Cancer Prevention and Control at NICRAT, Dr Usman Mohammed Waziri, reaffirmed the institute’s determination to ensure that the initiative produces a positive and lasting impact on Nigeria’s cancer-control efforts.
With the 60-day countdown officially underway, organisers said the World Soccer Legends Cancer Match would combine the excitement of football with humanitarian action, using the power and influence of football legends to drive a nationwide campaign against cancer.
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