The Federal Commissioner, NCFRMI, Alhaji Tijani Ahmed with some IDPs during the inauguration of Cormode Cancer Champion Club on Thursday in Abuja.
By Jacinta Nwachukwu
The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) in collaboration with the Cormode Cancer Foundation, on Thursday, inaugurated the Cormode Cancer Champion Club at the Durumi IDPs camp in Abuja.
The Federal Commissioner, NCFRMI, Alhaji Tijani Ahmed, at the programme, stressed the need to educate children about cancer and its risk factors.
Ahmed said the formation of the Champion Club among IDPs was to provide knowledge on cancer, its implications, and methods of combating it, with a focus on early education and mitigation against future complications.
He said plans were underway to replicate the programme in over 100 other IDPs across the country to ensure widespread education on cancer.
Ahmed reiterated the Commission’s commitment to disseminate cancer awareness, providing support and protection for children in IDPs camps, refugees, and migrants, including host communities.
According to the commissioner, investigations are ongoing to determine if there are cases of cancer among children in the IDPs camps.
On the cost required to run health campaigns, he stressed that the health of children should be prioritised above cost.
Ahmed, who noted that there might be other health issues, emphasised that that “the Commission’s current focus is on cancer”.
He added that other health issues would be addressed in due course.
Ahmed thanked Dr Denise Ejoh, the Chief Executive, Cormode Cancer Foundation for the initiative, expressing hope that the knowledge shared would be beneficial.
While sharing her personal experience of living with cancer for eight years, Ejoh emphasised the importance of educating children about the disease at early age.
She said that the campaign aimed at teaching children early about cancer to help them recognise symptoms whenever they or their community members were affected.
“The campaign aims to reach all children regardless of their background to ensure comprehensive awareness and support.
“Children can educate their parents about potential health issues such as lumps or difficulty in going to the toilet.
“The campaign involves partnering with schools and developing resources for secondary school children to create a club-like environment.
“The goal is for children to educate their communities as they are more likely to share what they learn with others,” she said.
She further underscored the importance of reaching out to all communities in the cancer campaign to ensure that “no child is left out”.
Miss Deborah Ibrahim, an internally displaced child, appreciated the organisers of the initiative.
Ibrahim, who said that she had gain a lot of knowledge about cancer, pledged that she would continue with the campaign.(NAN)