By Sarah NEGEDU
As the debate on the scourge for cancer continues across the world, the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, is calling for urgent, inclusive, and sustained action in the fight against disease.
Mahmoud, who made this call at an event to commemorate the 2025 World Cancer Day, lamented that cancer still remains a significant public health concern for governments across the world.
A statement issued by the minister’s Special Adviser, Austine Elemue, explained that the current FCT Administration was not only investing in infrastructure, but also taking deliberate steps to strengthen the healthcare system, ensuring that residents of the FCT have better access to quality services, including cancer prevention and treatment.
While commending the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment, NICRAT, for organizing the event, the minister called for collaboration to ensure that no one in the FCT was left behind in the fight against cancer.
Elemue quoted the minister as saying, “we understand that tackling cancer requires collective efforts. This is why the FCT Administration is committed to forging strategic partnerships with institutions like NICRAT to enhance cancer awareness, build capacity for prevention and early detection, and improve access to screening and treatment services.”
She, therefore, commended the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment for its dedication to advancing cancer prevention, treatment, and research in Nigeria.
According to her, “The commitment to driving awareness and fostering collaboration is truly commendable, and today’s event is yet another testament to your tireless efforts.”
Mahmoud assured that the FCT Administration remains ready to work hand in hand with NICRAT and all stakeholders to drive impactful interventions that would improve the health indices of residents and ultimately save lives.
Earlier, the Director General of National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment, Prof. Usman Aliyu said that World Cancer Day was targeted at raising awareness, improving education, and catalysing joint action to prevent cancer, as well as to support those affected by the disease.
While speaking on this year’s theme; “United by Unique,” the DG highlighted the importance of collaboration to create inclusive cancer solutions globally .
Aliyu emphasised that since inception NICRAT has initiated and sustained robust collaboration with local and international partners on training of the cancer workforce at all levels of care, research, and contemporary preventive measures.
He, therefore, assured that the Institute would continue to work hard to ensure the actualization of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the health sector, especially in cancer care.
