Health

National Hospital, CMF partner to boost Nigeria’s healthcare

Published

2 years ago

November 27, 2024

The National Hospital, Abuja, and the Concerned Medics Foundation (CMF), a not-for-profit organisation, inaugurated a partnership on Tuesday to leverage diaspora expertise and enhance Nigeria’s healthcare delivery.

The partnership, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Abuja, will improve healthcare quality and accessibility by supporting medical professionals and patients through collaborative programmes, skills transfer, and diaspora doctors.

Dr Sadiya Gumi, CMF Chairperson and a Pediatric Consultant in the UK, described the initiative as a volunteer service where Nigerian doctors in the diaspora would provide free services.

“Assuming I can register 24 pediatricians, each of us could commit to a month-long visit. For instance, one person could come in January, another in February, and so on.

“This approach ensures a sustained presence, as a one-time outreach programme is insufficient. To drive meaningful change, we need a continuous flow of professionals providing regular support.

“Although the partnership with the National Hospital Abuja (NHA) is still in its pilot phase, approximately 24 Nigerian doctors with various specialties from the UK, USA, and Canada have already registered, with some non-Nigerian doctors also expressing interest.”

Explaining the process, Gumi said, “It’s similar to visiting family back home. You register with us and indicate your availability, saying, for instance, ‘I have two weeks free, and I can come to National Hospital.

“As a surgeon, you could then perform surgeries during your visit.”

Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, Speaker of the House of Representatives, commended the initiative, stating it would impact Nigerians’ lives and help reverse brain drain in the health sector.

Abbas, represented by the Deputy Speaker, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, pledged legislative support and encouraged stakeholders to back the initiative.

Ms Daju Kachollom, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, noted that the initiative aligned with the Health Workforce Migration Policy 2024, which aimed to strengthen and retain Nigeria’s health workforce.

Prof. Mahmud Raji, Chief Medical Director of National Hospital, expressed hope that the partnership would encourage more doctors and healthcare professionals to participate, ultimately increasing access to quality healthcare and achieving universal health coverage target.

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Health

Football Legends to Light Up Nigeria in NICRAT’s World Soccer Legends Cancer Match

Published

4 weeks ago

September 2, 2026

The Gleamer

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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