Health
APC Youth Leader, Health Minister, Others Champion “Going Pink Walk” for Breast Cancer Awareness in Abuja
Joel Ajayi
It was a vibrant gathering of energetic young men and women across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Saturday in Abuja, as they joined the “Progress in Pink Walk”, a non-competitive awareness march organized by the All-Progressives Congress (APC) Youth Wing to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The event, themed “Walk for Hope, Walk for Life,” was commenced at The Nest — A Place Where Greatness is Hatched, an over 4 kilometres walk aimed at encouraging early detection, promoting timely medical intervention, and offering hope to those affected by breast cancer.
Leading the walk was the APC National Youth Leader, Dr. Dayo Israel, who has remained consistent in championing initiatives that promote youth empowerment, health consciousness, and community impact.
Over the years, Israel has spearheaded several programs designed to enhance the capacity and wellbeing of young Nigerians.
Globally, October is recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month — a period dedicated to increasing awareness, encouraging prevention, and supporting those battling the disease. The APC Youth Wing’s initiative aligns with this global campaign, demonstrating the party’s ongoing commitment to public health advocacy and youth-driven change.
Speaking after the walk, an elated Dr. Dayo Israel explained that the initiative was organized to create awareness among women, both young and old, on the importance of knowing their bodies and seeking medical attention early.
“We want women to know their breasts so well that if anything unusual happens, they act quickly.
“Cancer doesn’t occur overnight it develops over time. awareness, and early detection are key to saving lives,” he said.
He added that the walk also sought to promote fitness as a vital component of a healthy lifestyle and to encourage women to adopt positive habits that support their wellbeing and happiness.
In his remarks, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako commended the APC Youth Wing for taking proactive steps to raise awareness about a critical health concern.
“With this step you have taken today, more Nigerians will become aware of the dangers of late detection.
“Unfortunately, eight to nine out of ten breast cancer cases in Nigeria are detected late — a situation we must change through constant awareness and screening,” he said.
He emphasized the importance of prevention, urging Nigerians to take their health seriously through regular check-ups, healthy living, and avoidance of risk factors like smoking.
Also speaking, the President and CEO of the Nigerian Cancer Society, Prof. Abidemi Omonisi, noted that breast cancer remains one of the most prevalent forms of cancer in Nigeria, accounting for up to 40–50% of all cancer cases.
“Breast cancer remains a major public health challenge. Exercise plays a vital role not only in prevention but also in improving outcomes for people living with cancer and other non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension,” he said.
Prof. Omonisi stressed the need for a community-based response to cancer similar to the national efforts used to combat HIV/AIDS.
“We must involve everyone from schools and youth groups to community organizations to build resilience and eliminate the fear and stigma surrounding cancer,” he added.
He praised the APC Youth Wing for leading the charge, noting that young people, with their creativity and innovation, are uniquely positioned to drive impactful awareness campaigns both online and offline.
The “Progress in Pink Walk” concluded with participants pledging to continue spreading the message of early detection, regular screening, and healthy living underscoring that together, Nigerians can defeat breast cancer through awareness, unity, and action.
Health
Nigerian Scholar Pioneers Plant-Based Nutrition Breakthrough for Elderly Care
Joel Ajayi
A Nigerian academic is making promising strides in global nutrition research, bringing hope for improved dietary care for elderly patients with high cholesterol.
Feyisola Fisayo Ajayi, a lecturer at the Federal University Gashua in Yobe State and a PhD student at the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), recently completed a research visit to the Department of Food Science at Purdue University in the United States. Her work focuses on developing innovative, plant-based nutritional solutions tailored to the needs of older adults living with hypercholesterolemia.
During her time at Purdue, Ajayi investigated the development of a novel plant protein–derived nutritional hydrogel designed to make cholesterol-lowering nutrients easier and more appealing for elderly patients to consume. Research has shown that many older adults struggle with powdered nutraceuticals due to reduced appetite, diminished taste sensitivity, and a weakened sense of smell. Ajayi’s work offers a practical alternative.
The plant-based hydrogel she is developing has a unique thermo-reversible property: it remains solid at room temperature but melts when exposed to higher temperatures. This makes it an effective and user-friendly vehicle for delivering cholesterol-lowering bioactive compounds.
“This hydrogel is unique because it combines functionality with acceptability,” Ajayi explained. “By incorporating plant proteins into a thermo-reversible structure, we can create a product that is both effective and appealing for elderly patients who need reliable dietary interventions.”
Her research at Purdue includes detailed analyses of the hydrogel’s physicochemical characteristics, stability, and rheological behavior. In addition, in-vitro digestion studies are being conducted to assess how effectively the hydrogel can deliver essential bioactive compounds during digestion.
Ajayi’s work aligns with global efforts to promote sustainable, plant-based, and functional food solutions, particularly for vulnerable populations. Her research contributes to the growing field of functional foods and protein chemistry, with potential applications in clinical nutrition and long-term dietary management.
Beyond the scientific impact, her visit to Purdue University highlights the value of international academic collaboration in addressing complex health and nutrition challenges. As she continues her doctoral research at UAEU, Ajayi hopes to translate her findings into practical nutritional products that can benefit elderly populations in Nigeria, the UAE, and beyond.
Her achievements underscore the power of cross-border research and academic exchange programs in driving innovation. With scholars like Ajayi leading the way, the future of functional, plant-based nutrition solutions looks increasingly bright.
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