……..Says a healthy population is fundamental to national productivity, social stability, sustainable development.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, has called for stronger partnerships and sustained collective action towards improving access to treatment and support for children living with cancer in Nigeria.
Dr. Belgore, spoke in Abuja as Special Guest of Honour at the 2026 Public Declaration of Funds and Partners’ Recognition Event organised by the Okapi Children Cancer Foundation. He was represented by the Director, Public Buildings and Housing Development in the Ministry, QS Pemi Samuel Temitope.
Belgore, a medical doctor by profession, described childhood cancer as a major public health and social concern requiring sustained attention, collective responsibility and deliberate intervention, noting that affected children and their families often contend with enormous emotional, psychological and financial challenges.
He commended the Founder and Chief Volunteer of the Foundation, Dr. Kemi S. Adekanye, and her team for their commitment, compassion and sustained efforts towards improving the lives of children battling cancer.
The Foundation”s 10th Annual Childhood Cancer Awareness Walk, provided an opportunity to formally present funds raised to partner hospitals to support the treatment of children with cancer, as well as recognise the invaluable contributions of partners, donors and volunteers.
Belgore stressed that addressing childhood cancer must go beyond awareness creation to include practical interventions that support treatment, improve access to healthcare services and strengthen the capacity of relevant medical institutions.
” Building a healthy and inclusive society is a shared responsibility requiring the active participation of government, civil society organisations, the private sector, development partners, faith-based organisations, communities and individuals” he stressed.
According to him, although the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development is primarily mandated to facilitate access to adequate, safe and affordable housing and promote sustainable urban development, the Ministry recognises that national development goes beyond the provision of physical infrastructure to encompass the wellbeing, dignity and opportunities available to citizens, particularly vulnerable members of society.
He maintained that a healthy population is fundamental to national productivity, social stability and sustainable development, stressing that children, as the future of the nation, deserve every necessary support to live healthy and productive lives.
He urged the Foundation to sustain its advocacy, deepen partnerships with relevant healthcare institutions and continue to mobilise public and private sector support to ensure that children living with cancer receive the care, attention and support they deserve.
While calling on corporate organisations, philanthropists and well-meaning Nigerians to identify with the cause, he noted that every modest contribution, could make a meaningful difference in the life of an affected child and the family.
Dr. Belgore encouraged parents and guardians of children living with cancer to remain hopeful and steadfast, while commending healthcare professionals and partner hospitals for their dedication, professionalism and commitment to providing care for affected children.
He congratulated the Foundation on the successful completion of its 10th Annual Childhood Cancer Awareness Walk and expressed the hope that the funds presented to partner hospitals would translate into improved access to treatment, renewed hope for affected families and better health outcomes for children living with cancer.
In her remarks, the Founder and Chief Volunteer of the Okapi Children Cancer Foundation, Dr. Kemi S. Adekanye, reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to advocating for children living with cancer and mobilising resources to support their treatment.
She appreciated the donors, partners, volunteers and other well-meaning individuals whose contributions have sustained the Foundation’s humanitarian efforts, while calling for continued collaboration to ease the burden of childhood cancer on affected children and their families.
Badamasi Haiba
Director Press and Public Relations
