Hundreds of young Nigerians participated in the “Progress in Pink Walk” held in Abuja on Saturday to raise awareness about breast cancer. The four-kilometre march, tagged “Walk for Hope, Walk for Life,” was organised by the All Progressives Congress (APC) Youth Wing to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
According to a statement issued on Sunday, the walk commenced at The Nest Resource Centre and was led by the APC National Youth Leader, Dr. Dayo Israel. Addressing participants, Israel stressed the importance of self-awareness and early detection in the fight against breast cancer.
He said, “We joined the fight against childhood and adolescent cancer, commending President Tinubu’s administration as the first in Nigeria’s history to invest significantly in cancer eradication, with the 2025 budget marking the highest allocation ever for diagnosis and treatment. Women should know their bodies and act quickly if they notice anything unusual. Awareness and early detection save lives.”
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, praised the APC Youth Wing for taking the lead in public health advocacy, noting that eight out of ten breast cancer cases in Nigeria are detected late. He urged Nigerians to prioritise preventive healthcare, regular check-ups, and healthy lifestyles to reduce the disease’s prevalence.
The President of the Nigerian Cancer Society, Prof. Abidemi Omonisi, stated that breast cancer accounts for between 40 and 50 percent of all cancer cases in Nigeria. He called for a more community-driven approach to awareness and commended the APC Youth Wing for mobilising young people to champion positive health initiatives.
The walk concluded with free medical screenings for participants and a collective pledge to continue promoting early detection, regular screening, and healthy living. Organisers said the event reinforced the power of unity, awareness, and collective action in the ongoing fight against breast cancer.
