Health

Rising Star Footbal League Brings Relief to Over 100 Pregnant and Sick Women

Published

12 months ago

November 6, 2024

By Joel Ajayi

The Rising Stars Football League (RSFL) brought smiles to the faces of over 100 pregnant and nursing mothers, as well as sick patients, at the Primary Health Care Center in Bwari Area Council, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Driven by a desire to support underprivileged individuals, RSFL covered maternity bills and provided essential supplies from registration through delivery, including routine medication, easing financial burdens for many.

In line with their commitment to community development, RSFL representatives visited the hospital on Wednesday, paying for the maternity needs of pregnant women and supporting nursing mothers. This compassionate gesture aligns with RSFL’s ongoing mission not only to promote youth talent in sports but also to give back to society.

Speaking at the hospital, RSFL Project Coordinator Ifeanyi Kama emphasized that the support extended to these women is part of the organization’s promise made during the 2024 Rising Stars Football League season. “RSFL is more than football; it’s about helping communities and developing individuals. We’re creating opportunities for those who lack them, believing that sports can shape better futures and stronger communities,” Kama said.

He further explained RSFL’s outreach efforts beyond football: “We’re reaching out to people in hospitals, schools, and markets, even assisting associations like Okada riders and security outfits. Seeing the joy on people’s faces is a privilege. I feel a sense of joy, as if I could fly. We all know how challenging life in Nigeria is now, and even a small gesture can be life-changing.”

Kama noted that the RSFL plans to extend its outreach to other regions, including an upcoming visit to Lagos.

Expressing gratitude, one of the beneficiaries, Hannah David, a pregnant mother, shared, “I’m so grateful they came to our aid. Many of us cannot afford delivery materials, and RSFL has helped us from registration to delivery. In this tough economy, their support means everything.”

Another expectant mother, Amaka Chukuma, echoed this sentiment: “We deeply appreciate RSFL for paying all our antenatal bills and providing delivery items. Their generosity is truly noble, and we can’t thank them enough.”

Miss Friday Lora, a midwife at the center, lauded the RSFL initiative, saying, “What RSFL has done here is remarkable. Many mothers lack the finances to buy necessary items for their pregnancies. This support in paying bills and providing delivery essentials will make a lasting impact. You can see the joy it brings.”

The Rising Stars Football League continues to make a meaningful difference, bringing hope to communities and demonstrating the power of sports to create lasting, positive change.

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Health

APC Youth Leader, Health Minister, Others Champion “Going Pink Walk” for Breast Cancer Awareness in Abuja

Published

2 weeks ago

October 18, 2025

The Gleamer

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.

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