The truth is that cancer does not wait for us to be ready, and therefore, our collective commitment toward its defeat must be intensified. These words formed the core of my goodwill address, delivered on behalf of First Ladies Against Cancer, at the Network for Oncology Research in Sub-Saharan Africa (NORA) Summer School Meeting in Abuja on October 14, 2025.

The NORA Summer School aims to strengthen healthcare and research capacity in Nigeria and across Africa, particularly in the areas of cancer research, screening, and prevention. It also seeks to address the growing burden of cancer through applied research that promotes early diagnosis and improved survival outcomes, in alignment with the WHO Global Cancer Initiatives and Nigeria's National Cancer Control Plan.

The fight against cancer is a race against time, but through our unified purpose and coordinated action, and by strengthening local research infrastructure and fostering collaboration, we will ensure that the narrative of cancer is shifted from one of overwhelming crisis to one of actionable control and hope.

#FirstLadiesAgainstCancer #CancerAwareness #CancerSupport

#ChiomaUzodimma

H.E. Chief Barr. (Dr.) Chioma Uzodimma FIMC, CMC
First Lady of Imo State, Founder of GoodHope Women Flourish Initiative,
and Secretary of Renewed Hope Initiative.