On June 27, 2025, at the #FLAC2025 pre-event hosted at Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel, the First Ladies Against Cancer (FLAC) cemented a landmark collaboration with the Nigerian Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT). The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in the presence of FLAC members, NICRAT executives, Roche representatives, and leading health stakeholders.
The agreement commits both organisations to strengthening Nigeria’s cancer response across four priority areas: awareness campaigns, policy advocacy, grassroots mobilisation, and capacity-building for advocacy leaders. Through survivor-driven initiatives, data-based interventions, and culturally resonant messaging, the partnership aims to close long-standing gaps in cancer awareness, prevention, and access to care.
The MoU signing coincided with FLAC’s leadership transition, as H.E. Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu handed over the Chairperson role to H.E. Barr. Chioma Hope Uzodimma, supported by H.E. Hajiya Lami Ahmadu Fintiri (Vice Chairperson) and H.E. Bamidele Abiodun (Treasurer). Other FLAC members present included H.E. Dr. Amina Abubakar Bello, H.E. Dr. Linda Ayade, H.E. Olufunsho Amosun, and H.E. Eunice Ortom.
The following day, June 28, 2025, FLAC hosted an Advocacy Dinner at the same venue, bringing together First Ladies, survivors, healthcare practitioners, religious leaders, civil society, and private sector allies. The evening featured cultural showcases, survivor-led conversations, red carpet sessions, and goodwill remarks from international development partners.
Key moments included the inspiring “Radiant Resilience” panel, a keynote address by H.E. Dorothy Nyong’o of Kenya on the impact of First Lady-led advocacy, and the premiere of the FLAC Impact Video, which documented the coalition’s progress.
The dinner also marked the official unveiling of “Friends of FLAC”, introduced by H.E. Dr. Amina Bello to spotlight prominent individuals championing cancer awareness and patient support. The first inductees — Imam Fuad Adeyemiand Pastor Ituah Ighodalo — spoke on the crucial role of faith, empathy, and community in cancer care.
The program further featured the screening of the cervical cancer documentary What I Don’t Know Won’t Kill Me, a recorded advocacy message from Dr. Miriam Mutebi, and a heartfelt fireside dialogue with survivors moderated by H.E. Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, who also paid tribute to Dr. Bagudu’s leadership.
Together, the two days reinforced FLAC’s mission of merging subnational leadership, survivor perspectives, and strategic collaborations to transform Nigeria’s cancer response. With NICRAT’s technical expertise, the momentum of “Friends of FLAC,” and a refreshed leadership team, the coalition is positioned to scale its advocacy and accelerate Nigeria’s progress toward national and global cancer control goals.
