9mobile partners foundation to fight cancer

In line with its commitment to support initiatives that promote healthcare, Nigeria’s telecom operator, 9mobile, is partnering MEDICAID Foundation to support the fight against cancer.

Both organisations, yesterday, held a six kilometre-walk against cancer, themed Walk Away Cancer’ in the central business district of Abuja.

The event was put together to create awareness on the devastating effect of cancer, drum up support for the fight against the disease, and highlight the role of early detection in saving lives.

Wife of Kebbi State governor/Chief Executive Officer, MEDICAID, Dr. Zainab Bagudu, who convened the event, stated that the walk was put together to support those suffering from cancer and to create awareness about the disease, to be able to prevent and manage the disease.

She said: “As an organisation, we have taken it upon ourselves to constantly show solidarity and encourage those affected to keep hope alive. Suffering from cancer is not the end of life. And for everyone out there, we are saying that early detection goes a long way in saving lives.”

According to her, self-awareness plays an important role in helping to prevent and manage the disease.

“It is true that there is no sure way to prevent every cancer. However, it has been estimated that more than 40 per cent of cancer deaths could be prevented, if people knew what to do to reduce the chances. For example, avoiding tobacco, eating a healthy diet, exercising, avoiding or limiting alcohol intake come from self-awareness,” she said.

The Executive Director, Regulatory and Corporate Affairs, 9mobile, Abdulrahman Ado, who was represented at the occasion by the Public Relations Lead, Chineze Amanfo, reiterated the company’s commitment to promoting the health of Nigerians.

She said: “9mobile is proud to be associated with the ‘Walk Away Cancer’ initiative, championed by MEDICAID Foundation towards sensitising and supporting people suffering from the disease. Health is one of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) pillars of 9mobile. As such, we are always willing to collaborate with individuals and organisations on initiatives that promote health.”

On his part, Governor Abubakar Bagudu of Kebbi, who lent his support to the cause, urged the management of MEDICAID to sustain the tempo.

“I know that this innovative and laudable initiative is already 13 years old and counting. I believe a lot more can still be done in sensitising people about the devastating effect of cancer in the society. So I am calling on other organisations as well as individuals to join in the fight against cancer,” the governor said.