FG launches cancer awareness fiesta, offers free screening for civil servants
By Kunle Sanni –
The Federal Government has launched a nationwide campaign to promote cancer awareness and early detection, flagging off a National Sports and Fitness Fiesta Against Cancer with free screening for over 1,000 public servants in Abuja.
The event, held on Saturday at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, was organized by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in collaboration with the Federation of Public Service Games (FEPSGA). It also formed part of activities marking the 2025 Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Speaking at the event, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, OON, mni, said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to promoting preventive healthcare among its workforce.
“This campaign is not just about exercise — it is a declaration that we are choosing health, life, and hope,” Walson-Jack said. “Without health, there is no service, and without service, there is no progress.”
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare Office, Mrs. Patience Nwakuso Oyekunle, Walson-Jack noted that many public servants have lost their lives to cancer due to late diagnosis, urging workers to take advantage of the free screening exercise.
“These include breast and cervical cancer screening for women, and prostate cancer screening for men. Please, do not leave this stadium today without being screened,” she advised.
She commended the participation of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), saying the turnout demonstrated that the civil service was “leading by example” in promoting wellness and productivity.
Walson-Jack further assured that under the Renewed Hope Agenda, the Federal Government would sustain wellness programmes and preventive health initiatives aimed at building a healthy and productive workforce.
