Health
Saudi Arabia Unveils Cochlear Implant Programme, Targets 30 Surgeries For Children
NAN
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSRelief) has inaugurated a specialised cochlear implant and hearing-rehabilitation programme in Abuja.
The intervention is expected to target about 30 cochler implant surgeries, primarily for children with the goal of restoring their hearing and to enable their full integration into the society.
The initiative marked Saudi’s government major humanitarian intervention aimed at treating severe hearing loss among Nigerian children.
It is implemented in collaboration with Nigerian health authorities for beneficiaries and their families, and the surgeries are performed in the National Hospital Abuja.
The programme offers a complete chain of care, including diagnosis, surgery, follow-up, auditory therapy, and speech rehabilitation, representing a life-changing step for beneficiaries and their families.
Mr Saad Al-Marri, the Chargé d’Affaires of the Saudi Embassy in Nigeria, commended the collaboration while underscoring the humanitarian value of the project.
“This programme reflects the Kingdom’s dedication to supporting vulnerable communities and strengthening health systems in friendly nations.
“Through KSRelief, we are committed to delivering tangible solutions that restore hope, transform lives, and deepen the long-standing partnership between Saudi Arabia and Nigeria,” he said.
He said that the cochlear implant initiative built on KSRelief’s continued humanitarian presence in Nigeria and across the African continent.
“The Centre actively supports medical interventions, disease-control programmes and relief efforts for communities affected by crises across the African continent,” he said.
He said that the programme further reaffirmed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s commitment, under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz.
The reports that cochlear refers to a spiral-shaped cavity in the inner ear that is crucial for hearing.
NAN
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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