Sadiq Daba, a veteran broadcaster and actor, will join other Nigerians to lead the Abuja Cancer Awareness Walk this weekend as part of the activities to commemorate the 2018 World Cancer Day.

Daba recently returned to the country after undergoing treatment for leukaemia and prostate cancer.

The walk, which will also include, race, cycle, ride, skate and marathon against cancer at the Transcorp Hilton Abuja on Saturday, is being organised by Project PINK BLUE, a non-governmental organization.

Later on February 9, a World Cancer Day Symposium and  Panel of Discussion will be held at Transcorp Hilton.

A statement by Runcie Chidebe, Executive Director of Project PINK BLUE, said Adenike Oyetunde, a lawyer and on-air personality who was diagnosed of Osteogenic Sarcoma (bone cancer) in 2016, will also be part of the walk.

Joe Okei-Odumakin, a women’s right activist and President of Women Arise who has been involved in raising funds for cancer patients, including Daba, will also be in Abuja to lead the walk.

Celebrities and high-profile Nigerians expected at the event include Bryan Okwara, Recheal Okonkwo, Kemen of Big Brother Naija, Peace Emezue, Bassey of the Big Brother Naija and Dr. Joe Abah (former DG Bureau of Public Service Reforms).

Others are Chido Onumah, Dapo Olorunyomi, Ghana Must Go, Koboko, CP Sadiq Bello and Commissioner of Police FCT.

According to the statement, over 2,000 Nigerians are expected at the awareness walk, billed to kick off at Transcorp Hilton by 7 am on Saturday.

“This year, we are more interested in matching talks with action,” Chidebe said, listing the actions that must be taken to combat cancer in the country.

“We have been talking a lot. We need to see progress. We need Federal Government to set up one stop comprehensive cancer care.  We need National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to cover cancer.

“We want Nigeria’s National Cancer Control Plan to be budgeted for and implemented. We need Nigerians to engage in regular screenings. We need everyone to learn about cancer.”

Chidebe said free cancer screenings would be available for people at the walk, and he urged Nigerians to make donations to support cancer patients.

Isaac Adewole, Minister of Health, is expected to launch Nigeria’s National Cancer Control Plan (2018 to 2022) on Friday February 9 at the World Cancer Day 2018 Symposium & Panel.

World Cancer Day is commemorated globally on February 4.