RismadarVoice Reporters
October 9, 2026
The First Lady of Imo State, Mrs Chioma Uzodimma, has called for greater collaboration among families, communities, healthcare institutions and other stakeholders to strengthen support for cancer survivors across Nigeria.
Uzodimma, who chairs First Ladies Against Cancer, appealed during her keynote address at International Cancer Week 2026, held in Abuja on October 6.
In a statement shared on her official Facebook page on Friday, October 9, the First Lady emphasised that cancer care should extend beyond medical treatment to include emotional, psychological and social support for survivors.
She said building resilient and equitable cancer care systems required collective responsibility to ensure that survivors received adequate assistance throughout their recovery.
According to Uzodimma, families, communities, religious leaders and institutions have important roles to play in helping individuals overcome the challenges associated with cancer diagnosis, treatment and survivorship.
She stressed that completing medical treatment did not necessarily mark the end of a patient’s difficulties, noting that survivors could continue to face challenges requiring sustained care and community support.
The First Lady advocated a coordinated approach that would strengthen support networks, improve access to essential services and promote the long-term well-being of cancer survivors.
Uzodimma, who is also the founder of the GoodHope Women Flourish Initiative and secretary of the Renewed Hope Initiative, reiterated the importance of ensuring that survivors were not left to manage their recovery without adequate assistance.
Her remarks highlighted the need for stronger cooperation between healthcare providers, government institutions, civil society organisations and community groups in addressing the broader needs of cancer survivors.
IMO FIRST LADY PARTICIPATES IN WOMEN’S MOBILISATION PROGRAMME
In a separate engagement, Uzodimma led a delegation of All Progressives Congress women from Imo State to the Women Stakeholders’ Mobilisation and Empowerment Pre-inaugural Campaign Rollout of the 2027 APC Presidential Campaign Council’s Women Mobilisation Directorate.
The programme, convened by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, took place at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.
It brought together women from different states to discuss political mobilisation, participation and empowerment ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The event also featured the presentation of livelihood support items to beneficiaries, including a motorcycle.
Members of the Imo State delegation expressed their support for the mobilisation initiative during the gathering.
