In line with its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote health, one of Nigeria’s telecom giant, 9mobile, has partnered MEDICAID foundation on a 6km walk against cancer.
The walk, with theme as “Walk Away Cancer”, was put together to create awareness on the devastating effect of cancer and drum up support for the fight against the disease.
The event, which took place in the central business district of Abuja, was also to highlight the role of early detection in saving lives, a statement on Wednesday said.
A cross section of 9mobile staff participating in the 5-6km ‘Walk Away Cancer’ organized by MEDICAID Foundation in FCT, Abuja. October 2021.
Speaking on the initiative, the convener, Dr Zainab Bagudu , who is the Chief Executive Officer of MEDICAID, stated that the walk was put together as a gesture of support for those suffering from cancer.
Bagudu, who is the wife of the Governor of Kebbi, said: “The walk is also to create awareness about the disease.
“On the need for people to be conscious of it and know how to be able to prevent and manage the disease.
“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 the world. And for everyone out there, we are saying that early detection goes a long way in saving lives,’’ she said.
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, avoid or limit alcohol intake. All of these come from self-awareness,” she said.
Commenting on the initiative, the Executive Director of Regulatory and Corporate Affairs, 9mobile, Abdulrahman Ado, who was represented at the occasion by the PR Lead, 9mobile, Chineze Amanfo, reiterated the company’s commitment to promoting the health of Nigerians.
“9mobile is proud to be associated with the ‘Walk Away Cancer’ initiative, championed by MEDICAID Foundation towards sensitizing and supporting people suffering from the disease.
“Health is one of the CSR pillars of 9mobile and as such we are always willing to collaborate with individuals and organisation on initiatives that promotes health.”
Also, Gov. Abubakar Bagudu of Kebbi, urged the management of MEDICAID to continue to sustain the tempo.
He said: “I know this innovative and laudable initiative is already 13 years and still counting.
“I believe a lot more can still be done in sensitising people about the devastating effect of cancer in society.
“So, I am calling on other organisations as well as individuals to join in the fight against cancer,’’ he said.
