By joshua YOCAC Kogi Launches Cancer Awareness Campaign, Calls for Early Detection and Healthy Living
The Kogi State Chapter of the Youth Coalition Against Cancer (YOCAC) has launched its cancer awareness campaign through the Paint for Hope Against Cancer project, calling on residents to prioritise preventive healthcare, seek timely medical attention and adopt healthier lifestyles.
A statement by the Media and Experience Officer of YOCAC in Kogi State, Yabagi Mohammed said the inaugural activity brought members of the state chapter together to use creative expression to communicate messages of cancer awareness, prevention and hope.
The programme also served as a medium to encourage greater public participation in the fight against cancer.
Speaking at the event, the State Coordinator, Comrade Iliyasu Zakari, thanked members for their participation and commitment, describing the project as an opportunity to raise awareness about the growing burden of cancer in society.
Zakari urged members to remain committed to the organisation’s objectives and pledged to mobilise the chapter towards achieving YOCAC’s mission in Kogi State.
He stressed the importance of collective action in ensuring cancer awareness reaches communities across the state, particularly young people who need reliable information about cancer risks, prevention and early detection.
In his remarks, the National Coordinator, Project Paint for Hope, 2026 and National Spokesman of YOCAC, Babatunde Fanisi, emphasised the importance of sustained public education on cancer and assured the state chapter of the national body’s support in implementing its programmes.
Fanisi cautioned against the social acceptance of shisha smoking among young people, stressing that tobacco use increases the risk of several cancers. He also called for healthier lifestyle choices, including balanced diets and regular physical activity, as part of broader efforts to reduce cancer risks.
He urged residents to take responsibility for their health by avoiding tobacco products, seeking credible health information and paying attention to persistent or unusual changes in their bodies.
The national spokesman expressed satisfaction with the turnout for the chapter’s inaugural activity, describing the participation as evidence of members’ commitment to YOCAC’s cause despite the volunteer-driven nature of the initiative.
Delivering the keynote address, the Deputy State Coordinator, Comrade Anthony Osagbemi, challenged the perception of cancer as a disease largely associated with foreign countries, stressing that Nigerians, including residents of Kogi State, also face the burden of the disease.
Osagbemi expressed concern over the loss of young lives to different forms of cancer and called for stronger public education, preventive health practices and timely access to medical assessment.
He urged residents to adopt healthy eating habits, pay attention to the quality and timing of their meals, and make regular physical exercise part of their daily routines.
The Deputy Coordinator also called for greater public awareness of the importance of recognising possible cancer symptoms and seeking prompt medical evaluation rather than relying on rumours, unverified remedies or self-medication.
He stressed that early detection and appropriate medical care improve the chances of successful treatment for many cancers, urging individuals to consult qualified health professionals about recommended screening based on their age, sex, family history and other risk factors.
The event’s public-health message also highlighted the need for communities, schools, families, healthcare professionals and the media to work together in correcting misconceptions about cancer and encouraging people to seek reliable information and appropriate medical care.
A major highlight of the programme was the drawing of various images depicting cancer-related themes and messages. The artwork communicated ideas about awareness, prevention, hope and solidarity with people affected by the disease.
Through the Paint for Hope Against Cancer project, YOCAC Kogi State Chapter seeks to use creative engagement to stimulate conversations about cancer and encourage residents to take practical steps towards protecting their health.
The chapter’s inaugural activity marks the beginning of its awareness efforts in Kogi State, with a call on residents to reject tobacco use, embrace healthier habits, seek timely medical attention and support community initiatives promoting cancer education and early detection.