The First Lady of Imo State and Chairperson of First Ladies Against Cancer (FLAC), Barr. Chioma Uzodimma, has called for a united national response and increased private sector investment in cancer care to address medical inequity and strengthen Nigeria’s health system.

Uzodimma made the call in Owerri during a major public health walk to mark the 2026 World Cancer Day, themed “United by Unique.” She said the initiative was aimed at deepening awareness, promoting early detection and mobilising sustainable financing for cancer prevention and treatment across the country.

According to her, cancer remains a critical public health challenge that requires collective action from government, the private sector, healthcare professionals and communities.

“On this World Cancer Day, let us honour every unique journey by strengthening our collective resolve, promoting early detection and prevention, investing in sustainable cancer financing, and supporting patients and survivors with dignity and care,” Uzodimma said.

Leading thousands of participants through the streets of the Imo State capital, the FLAC chairperson described the walk as a statement of compassion, resilience and hope for millions of Nigerians battling cancer and those at risk.

The walk commenced at the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre (EIICC) and attracted a large turnout of government officials, health professionals, students, youth groups, civil society organisations and community leaders.

Participants marched along the Port Harcourt Road corridor, carrying placards and banners while chanting messages that promoted healthy lifestyles, prevention and early detection of cancer.

The procession ended at the Imo State Specialist Hospital, Umuguma, where the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Mr. Adino Kennedy, who represented the First Lady and the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Chioma Vivian Egu, charged participants to take the awareness campaign to the grassroots.

Addressing the crowd, Kennedy stressed that early detection remains key to survival.
“Cancer is not a death sentence. It is curable, especially when detected early. I urge you to go back to your various communities and villages to sensitise people on the causes, diagnosis and treatment of cancer,” he said.

He further urged participants to act as health ambassadors to ensure that accurate information reaches rural and underserved communities.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Nigerian Cancer Society (NCS), Imo State chapter, Dr. Okechukwu Duru, called on Nigerians to leverage platforms such as World Cancer Day to intensify awareness and reduce stigma associated with the disease.

The Secretary of the society thanked Uzodimma for her leadership and support, as well as partner organisations and stakeholders for their participation in the walk.

Dignitaries present at the event included the Managing Director of Imo State Specialist Hospital, Dr. Chima Oprataji; CEO of Heart and Roses Cancer Advocacy Foundation, Dr. Chinomso Patricia Dozie; representatives of the David Omenukor Cancer Foundation; Prof. Ikechukwu Nosike; Mrs. Linda Ewulum of Everight Diagnostics, Owerri; Vice-Chancellor of Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University, Prof. I.N.S. Dozie; Dr. Norbert Ajiro, representing the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Imo State; and the Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association, Imo State, Dr. Chika Ogwudire, among others.

The event underscored growing advocacy by first ladies and health stakeholders to position cancer prevention and care as a national priority and to mobilise broader support for sustainable healthcare financing in Nigeria.