On Saturday, October 26th, 2013, Vision Athletics Foundation (VAF), a human development NGO, painted Kado, Abuja pink at the Soho Sports Park (owned and operated by former Olympic champion Christy Opara, and her partner Daniella). VAF, in partnership with David Mark Bonaventure Initiative, and CDRE, a human rights NGO run by Dr. Anne I’nyamu Enyi (who was instrumental in organizing the event), held “Walk/Run/Dance/Pink Cancel Cancer” event in celebration of cancer awareness month, at the Soho Sports Park. The event was sponsored by Dr. Umaru Tela G. and Quartz Solar Energy Ltd, which provided much needed funding. VAF and David Mark Bonaventure Initiative use recreation and sport as educational tools, along with outreach programming to raise awareness on youth development, health and public welfare concerns. A statement by Ms. Nehi Okunmwendia of the David Mark Bonaventure Initiative emphasized the organization’s belief in the importance of education and support for cancer health initiatives. Many who attendedwore pink to show support in the fight against breast cancer. The event provided a cancer awareness forum for information and resources to patients, supporters and survivors.
The David Mark Bonaventure Initiative is committed to supporting common welfare initiatives and therefore embarks on ambitious goals to effectively address public health and welfare concerns, such as HIV/AIDS, cancer, diabetes, hypertension, malaria, polio awareness and prevention, education, health sector strengthening, and peace. The future begins now, community by community, step by step. The VAF Unity in the CommUnity Programs are a platform that will be used to create practical awareness of the aforementioned issues in order to progress as a society, and nation. We expect the spirit of COMMON UNITY/COMMON UNION to be contagious long after the conclusion of the programming.
The Executive Director of VAF, anthropologist Enyinnaya Okezie, said that the event was financially sponsored by the generosity of philanthropist Dr. Umaru Tela G and Quartz Solar Energy Ltd. to whom special thanks is reserved. He said that, the role played by individual efforts such as that shown by Dr. Umaru are exemplary, and contribute much to social and human capital development in our society.
DMBI, and Dr. Umaru Tela G., Quartz Solar Energy Ltd financially sponsored the cost of operating the event program, posters and promotional materials, and more. Other sponsors and business partners are IBM, Gede Foundation, Liberty Empowerment Center, Soho Sports Park. The proceeds after expenses aredonated to designated causes in the community, (or in the name of the sponsor to a designated interest). Allof our corporate/business sponsors are listed in our event program, and on allpromotional materials, flyers and posters.
For more information on partnership/sponsorship, please contact VAF at 0703-131-1114
Events scheduling began with the 2 kilometer walk/run at 6:30am, followed by free breast cancer and other health screenings until 2pm. There were lectures from former senator for Kwara South Senatorial District, Dr. Haddisah Grace O. Martin, Project Co-ordinator of Lifesaver Rescue Mission, (which is an outreach of M & G Natureworks International Research Institute). Lifesaver also helped provide health drinks and food, alongside fun and activities that continued well into the afternoon. Activities included Zumba latin dancing and fitness, frisbee throw, dance aerobics, children games, and more, all at a picturesque and beautiful sports and recreation park. Programtopics by speakers and lecturers included advocacy, family medical history, preventive care, alternative and clinical treatment options, and cancer research..
The Executive Director of VAF, consultant anthropologist Enyinnaya Okezie, stated thatalthough the rate at which Nigerians are dying from cancer is tragic, the cost of treatment and availability of medical equipment is still prohibitive to most Nigerians. We do not have sufficient radiotherapy units oncologists and specialists. Therefore it is necessary that the strategy for control includepublic awareness to reduce possible exposure to carcinogenic substances such as the tar in tobacco, and early diagnosis and prompt intervention, to arrest the cancer before it spreads and causes increased damage. Nigeria should have at least one specialized cancer facility in each state for the treatment of the disease, and VAF is presently in the process of procuring them (along with dialysis machines) for Yobe state, with the assistance of Dr. Umaru Tela G., as part of state government subsidized community health schemes.
Okezie said that the event was financially sponsored by the generosity of philanthropist Dr. Umaru Tela G and Quartz Solar Energy Ltd. to whom special thanks is reserved. He said that, the role played by individual efforts such as that shown by Dr. Umaru are exemplary, and contribute much to social and human capital development in our society.
Mr. Okezie states that “with more understanding and awareness, we have a greater chance of helping to”cancel cancer” in our communities” and thanked the community for their participation and support.
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