The President and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Cancer Society (NCS), Prof. Abidemi Emmanuel Omonisi, has called for the mobilisation of N15 billion to strengthen cancer prevention, treatment, early detection and survivorship programmes across Nigeria.
Omonisi made the appeal at the Cancer Survivors’ Gala 2026 hosted by the First Ladies Against Cancer (FLAC) and the Office of the First Lady of Imo State in Owerri, where he urged First Ladies and other stakeholders to champion increased investment in cancer control.
He appealed for support to raise ₦10 billion for the National Cancer Intervention Fund (NCIF), saying the fund would support cancer prevention, treatment, patient navigation, research and survivorship programmes nationwide.
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He also sought partnership for a separate N5 billion national initiative aimed at expanding cancer screening, community outreach, awareness campaigns and treatment support services in underserved and rural communities.
According to him, while Nigeria has made progress in cancer awareness and treatment, major gaps remain in the country’s cancer control system.
“Presently, over 31 States in Nigeria do not have an up-to-date State Strategic Cancer Control Plan. Likewise, more than 31 States have not established functional State Cancer Control Committees to coordinate cancer prevention and control activities,” Omonisi said, adding that many states also lack the infrastructure needed to provide comprehensive cancer care.
He said the Nigerian Cancer Society was prepared to collaborate with state governments, ministries of health, development partners and First Ladies to develop and update state cancer control plans, establish cancer control committees and strengthen access to quality cancer services.
Speaking on the theme, “Celebrating Survivorship, Strengthening Systems,” Omonisi described the gala as a celebration of the resilience and courage of cancer survivors, noting that survivorship in Nigeria is increasing due to improved awareness, better access to care and advances in treatment.
He, however, noted that many survivors continue to grapple with financial hardship, stigma, psychosocial challenges and inadequate follow-up care, underscoring the need for stronger support systems and comprehensive survivorship programmes.
The NCS president also appealed for support towards Nigeria’s participation in the World Cancer Congress scheduled for October 2026 in Hong Kong, where Nigerian cancer advocate Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu will be inaugurated as President of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC).
He described her emergence as a historic achievement for Nigeria and Africa, urging stakeholders to support a strong Nigerian delegation to the global event.
Omonisi commended the First Lady of Imo State and Chairperson of FLAC for convening the Cancer Survivors’ Gala, describing the collaboration between the Nigerian Cancer Society and FLAC as instrumental in advancing cancer awareness, advocacy and patient support across the country. He added that the partnership serves as a model for other states to emulate.
He reaffirmed the society’s commitment to promoting equitable access to cancer care, sustainable financing, patient support, research and public education, stressing that every Nigerian affected by cancer deserves timely treatment, psychosocial support and the opportunity to live a healthy and productive life.
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