OBASANJO BACKS BOLD CANCER AWARENESS JOURNEY, PUSHES NIGERIANS ON EARLY SCREENING
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Sunday launched the “Lagos to the World” cancer awareness expedition and called on Nigerians to prioritise regular medical screening for early detection of cancer, diabetes and other non-communicable diseases.
The initiative, unveiled at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, is a global road expedition designed to promote cancer awareness, encourage preventive healthcare and provide free screenings across Africa and beyond.
Obasanjo commended the project’s initiator, entrepreneur and BMW enthusiast Erik Nwagwu, for transforming personal loss into a public health advocacy campaign after losing both his mother, Prof. Helen Nwagwu, and sister, Mrs. Onyema Fern Eseka, to cancer.
“What you are doing in remembrance of your mother and sister is worthy of commendation,” Obasanjo said, describing the initiative as an innovative approach to saving lives through awareness and early detection.
The former president stressed that regular health checks remain critical in combating life-threatening diseases, noting that many illnesses can be effectively managed when diagnosed early.
Drawing from his personal experience, Obasanjo disclosed that he has successfully managed diabetes for more than 40 years through healthy living, exercise, proper diet, adequate rest and routine medical screening.
He urged Nigerians, especially older adults, to embrace what he described as the “DREAMS” (Diet, Rest, Exercise and Medical Screening )approach to healthy living
Speaking after the launch, Nwagwu said the expedition would be executed in three phases, beginning with a Lagos-Accra road trip before extending to Senegal and eventually a round-the-world journey covering Africa, Europe, Asia, North America, South America and Australia.
According to him, the campaign seeks to increase awareness of prostate cancer, which remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among men in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Through a partnership with Zuri Health, AXA Mansard Insurance and BMW Club Nigeria, the initiative is providing free prostate cancer screening, blood sugar testing, blood pressure checks and Body Mass Index assessments.
Nwagwu revealed that the programme has already conducted screenings in Lagos and plans further outreach activities in Ghana and other countries along the expedition route.
Beyond healthcare advocacy, he said the journey also aims to project a positive image of Nigeria and strengthen conversations around African economic and cultural integration.
”This journey is about changing the narrative, promoting awareness and showcasing the best of Nigeria and Africa to the world,” he said.
