The First Lady of Imo State and Chairperson of First Ladies Against Cancer (FLAC), Barr. Chioma Uzodimma, has called for a united front and increased private sector investment in cancer care to end medical inequity in Nigeria.
Uzodimma, who is also the founder of the GoodHope Women Flourish Initiative, made the call during a major public health walk held in Owerri to mark the 2026 World Cancer Day, themed "United by Unique."
She said the walk served as a high-level advocacy platform aimed at demystifying cancer, a disease she described as a critical priority for national health security. Emphasising the theme, the First Lady noted that while every cancer journey is unique, communities are stronger when united against the burden of the disease.
"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," she said.
Leading thousands of participants through the streets of the state capital, Uzodimma described the event as a powerful statement of compassion, resilience, and hope for millions of Nigerians who depend on the medical community for solutions in the fight against cancer.
The walk commenced at the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre (EIICC) and recorded an enthusiastic turnout of government officials, health professionals, students, youth groups, civil society organisations, and community leaders. Participants marched along the Port Harcourt Road corridor with placards and banners, chanting messages that promoted healthy lifestyles and early detection.
The procession ended at the Imo State Specialist Hospital, Umuguma, where the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Mr. Adino Kennedy -- representing the First Lady and the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Chioma Vivian Egu -- issued a call to action.
Addressing the crowd, Kennedy said:
"Cancer is not a death sentence. It is curable, especially when detected early. I urge you to return to your communities and villages to sensitise people on the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer."
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Nigerian Cancer Society (NCS), Imo State Chapter, Dr. Okechukwu Duru, urged Nigerians to sustain awareness campaigns on cancer prevention and early detection.
The Secretary of the Nigerian Cancer Society, Imo State, expressed appreciation to the First Lady for her support, as well as to the leadership of the Society and partner organisations for their contributions to the success of the event.
Dignitaries at the walk included the Managing Director of Imo State Specialist Hospital, Dr. Chima Oparaji; CEO of Heart and Roses Cancer Advocacy Foundation, Dr. Chinomso Patricia Dozie; Mr. Victor Ekejuba of the David Omenukor Cancer Foundation; Prof. I.N.S. Dozie, Vice-Chancellor of Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University; Mrs. Linda Ewulum of Everight Diagnostics, Owerri; Dr. Norbert Ajiro, representing the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Imo State; Dr. Chika Ogwudire, Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association, Imo State, among others.