Alltimepost.com Sincerity of Purpose
By Idahosa Musa
The Lift Above Poverty Organisation (LAPO), has said that under its Community Campaign for Cancer Control (LAPO-C4), it has reached out to 29,786 Nigerians in its nationwide cancer awareness efforts between January and June 2025.
Dr. Honestus Ayo Obadiora, Executive Vice President, Health and Social Development at LAPO, made the disclosure recently in Benin, the Edo State Capital, Nigeria.
Dr. Obadiora explained that the initiative which focused on early detection and public sensitization, included 355 cancer screenings and the referral of 581 individuals with suspected health conditions to government-approved facilities for further diagnosis.
He explained further that Free screenings were conducted for 180 women for breast cancer, 120 for cervical cancer, and 55 men for prostate cancer.
“Sensitisation activities were held in local markets, community meetings, and grassroots associations—targeting underserved and at-risk populations with life-saving information”, he said
The LAPO Executive Vice President, Health and Social Development, identified key barriers to effective cancer control in Nigeria, including low awareness, cultural beliefs, and limited access to diagnostic services.
He urged women especially to prioritize regular health checks and called for stronger community-based responses to the growing burden of cancer.
According to him, since its launch in 2016, LAPO-C4 has remained at the forefront of cancer prevention in rural and semi-urban areas, with Edo State serving as a strategic base for implementation across multiple states.
Obadiora reiterated LAPO’s call for increased government investment, stronger public-private partnerships, and united stakeholder action to improve cancer education, expand screening services, and reduce cancer-related mortality in Nigeria.
