The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to reducing the growing burden of cancer across the country with the launch of the National Sports and Fitness Fiesta Against Cancer, an innovative health awareness campaign that combined physical fitness, education, and free medical screening for civil servants.
The event, held at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, brought together over 1,000 public servants from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) for a day of sports, aerobics, wellness talks, and cancer screening exercises. It was organized by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in collaboration with the Federation of Public Service Games (FEPSGA), and aligns with the welfare priorities championed by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, OON, mni.
The initiative marked a major highlight of Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2025, signaling the government’s resolve to promote prevention and early detection as the most effective strategy for combating cancer and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
“Without Health, There Is No Service” — Walson-Jack
Delivering the keynote address, Mrs. Walson-Jack emphasized that the campaign was not just about physical activity but a collective declaration that Nigeria’s workforce is choosing “health, life, and hope.”
“Without health, there is no service. Without health, there is no progress,” she stated, highlighting the vital role of a healthy and resilient public service in driving the national development agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
She expressed deep concern over the increasing number of public servants lost to cancer due to late diagnosis and urged workers to take full advantage of the free screening exercise provided at the event.
“These include breast and cervical cancer screening for women, and prostate cancer screening for men. Please, do not leave this stadium today without being screened,” she appealed.
Represented by Mrs. Patience Nwakuso Oyekunle, Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare Office (OHCSF), the Head of Service commended the strong turnout and enthusiastic participation of civil servants, noting that their involvement demonstrated that the Nigerian public service was “leading by example in promoting wellness and productivity.”
“You have not only invested in your own well-being but also shown that the civil service is committed to reducing the burden of cancer in Nigeria,” she added.
Walson-Jack reaffirmed that under the Renewed Hope Agenda, the Federal Government would continue to invest in preventive healthcare initiatives to ensure a healthier, more productive workforce capable of delivering quality service to Nigerians.
FG Prioritizes Prevention Over Treatment
The sports and fitness fiesta featured a range of wellness activities, including aerobic exercises, medical consultations, cancer awareness talks, and health screenings. Participants also competed for awards in categories such as Early Arrival, Best Kitted Team, Highest Attendance, and Best Behaved MDA — with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare emerging as the winner of the Best Behaved Award.
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Daju Kachollom, mni, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, described the campaign as “epoch-making” in the nation’s public health history. She revealed that Nigeria records over 127,000 new cancer cases annually, with breast cancer accounting for about 24% of all cases.
She lamented that over 80% of cancer cases in Nigeria are detected at late stages, compared to developed countries where early screening and detection save lives.
“The disparity is clear — while developed countries have higher incidence rates, low- and middle-income countries like Nigeria suffer higher mortality because of poor screening culture. This is why we must act,” she said.
Commitment to Action and Subnational Cancer Control
Reiterating the government’s long-term commitment, Mrs. Kachollom assured that the Ministry would continue to lead the fight against cancer through sustained prevention and early detection campaigns.
“I make bold to say that today’s event is not just a one-off. It marks the beginning of an aggressive national campaign for cancer prevention and early detection,” she declared.
“As Chairman of the Technical Session of the National Council on Health, I will be leading the conversation for State Governments to establish State Cancer Control Programmes and routine screening systems at the subnational levels. This will ensure every Nigerian has access to preventive care and timely diagnosis,” she added.
Medical Experts Advocate Lifestyle Change and Regular Screening
Oncology experts present at the event stressed that prevention and lifestyle modification remain the most cost-effective ways to combat cancer.
Dr. Oyiza Oza, Head of the Oncology Department at the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja, noted that cancer shares risk factors with other major diseases like hypertension and diabetes, calling for proactive lifestyle changes and periodic medical checks.
“Cancer is real, it is ravaging, and it is here with us. The cheapest and most effective response is prevention through lifestyle modification and regular screening. Early detection saves lives,” she advised.
The free screening covered breast, cervical, prostate, and colorectal cancers, alongside general tests for blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), blood sugar, and hepatitis B and C, both of which are linked to liver cancer. Breast and cervical screenings were conducted at the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja, while other tests took place on-site at the stadium.
A New Era of Preventive Health Awareness
The Federal Government’s Sports and Fitness Fiesta Against Cancer represents a new direction in Nigeria’s public health policy one that prioritizes prevention rather than treatment, awareness rather than fear, and collective responsibility over individual burden.
By engaging civil servants, who make up a vital part of the nation’s workforce, the initiative underscores that health is the foundation of national development. It also signals the beginning of what officials described as a sustained nationwide campaign for cancer control and wellness promotion under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
With early detection and consistent preventive care, Nigeria aims to reduce cancer-related deaths and empower its citizens to lead healthier, longer, and more productive lives.
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