27/06/2026
NCS PRESIDENT CALLS FOR STRONGER CANCER CARE SYSTEMS, URGES FIRST LADIES AND GOVERNORS TO SHRINK THE HUGE GAP IN CANCER PREVENTION AND CONTROL AT THE SUB-NATIONAL
.. Thanks the Leadership of NCS Imo State Branch led by Dr . Okechukwu Duru for working very closely with the First Lady Imo State
Owerri, Imo State | 26 June 2026
The President/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Cancer Society (NCS), Prof. Abidemi Emmanuel Omonisi, has called for stronger investments in Nigeria's cancer care systems especially at the sub-national, urging State Governments, First Ladies, development partners, and the private sector to work together to improve cancer prevention, treatment, survivorship, and patient support across the country.
Prof. Omonisi made the call while delivering a goodwill message at the Cancer Survivors' Gala 2026, hosted by First Ladies Against Cancer (FLAC) in collaboration with the Office of the First Lady of Imo State at the Imo State Banquet Hall, Owerri. The event, themed "Celebrating Survivorship, Strengthening Systems," brought together First Ladies, policymakers, healthcare professionals, cancer survivors, advocates, researchers, development partners, and other stakeholders committed to advancing cancer control in Nigeria.
The NCS President commended the First Lady of Imo State and Chairperson of FLAC, Her Excellency, Barrister Chioma Uzodimma, for her visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of people affected by cancer. He described the collaboration between FLAC and the Nigerian Cancer Society as a model partnership capable of transforming cancer prevention, patient support, advocacy, and public awareness across Nigeria.
Prof. Omonisi highlighted the legacy and national reach of the Nigerian Cancer Society, noting that since its establishment on 12 October 1968, the Society has remained Nigeria's foremost cancer control organization and one of Africa's oldest cancer societies. He stated that the Society currently has active branches in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with an expanding international presence in 14 countries across Africa, Europe, North America, Asia, and the Middle East.
Describing the Gala as a celebration of courage, resilience, and hope, the NCS President paid tribute to cancer survivors whose determination continues to inspire the nation. He stressed that while survivorship should be celebrated, Nigeria must also strengthen the health systems that support prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, palliative care, and long-term survivorship.
Speaking further on the state of cancer control in Nigeria, Prof. Omonisi expressed concern that more than 31 states are yet to develop updated State Strategic Cancer Control Plans or establish functional State Cancer Control Committees, warning that these gaps continue to hinder coordinated cancer prevention and control efforts nationwide.
He reaffirmed the readiness of the Nigerian Cancer Society, to partner with State Governors, State Ministries of Health, First Ladies, and development partners, to support the development of State Strategic Cancer Control Plans, Establish State Cancer Control Committees, Strengthen Cancer Registries, Expand Screening Services, and Improve Access to Quality Cancer Care.
He commended FLAC for providing financial support to cancer survivors during the Gala, describing the initiative as "compassion in action" and a demonstration of the collective responsibility to ensure that no cancer survivor walks the journey alone.
Reaffirming the Society's commitment to patient-centred cancer care, Prof. Omonisi pledged that the Nigerian Cancer Society would continue to champion equitable access to quality cancer services, sustainable financing, public education, cancer research, policy advocacy, and strategic partnerships that improve outcomes for patients and survivors.
He concluded by urging all stakeholders to renew their commitment to building a Nigeria where every person affected by cancer has access to quality prevention, early diagnosis, treatment, psychosocial support, rehabilitation, palliative care, and survivorship services.
The NCS President/ CEO also interacted privately with the cancer survivors with the Chairman ans Secretary of the Nigerian Cancer Society, Imo State Branch. He encouraged them to keep hope alive.
The Cancer Survivors' Gala 2026 concluded with renewed calls for stronger partnerships, greater investment in cancer control, and sustained efforts to improve the lives of cancer survivors and their families across Nigeria.
Signed:
HON. BASHIR MOHAMMED RANCCAS
NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF PUBLICITY, NCS
