United Nigeria airline partners cancer society to fund screening, treatment

United Nigeria Airlines and the Nigerian Cancer Society have partnered to promote cancer awareness, encourage early detection and support treatment for indigent patients across Nigeria.

The initiative, tagged ‘United Against Cancer’, was unveiled on Wednesday at a press briefing held at the airline’s office in Lagos.

Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of United Nigeria Airlines, Osita Okonkwo, said the campaign was designed to promote early detection and improve access to cancer information and treatment.

Sharing his personal experience, Okonkwo disclosed that he was a cancer survivor but lost two of his sisters to the disease.

He said he was willing to speak openly about his experience to encourage people battling cancer and reassure them that a diagnosis does not necessarily mean death.

“I am a cancer survivor myself. I also lost two sisters to cancer; both were victims of this deadly disease. We are not shy about talking about it, because when you tell the story, it gives hope to someone who may be facing this problem or who may think it is a death sentence. It is not,” he said.

Okonkwo explained that the campaign would be implemented in two phases, with the first focusing on prevention, early detection and widespread public awareness, while the second would address the needs of patients requiring medical treatment.

He said the airline decided to partner with the Nigerian Cancer Society after reviewing its programmes and recognising the importance of supporting efforts to tackle the disease.

“We have heard the news, and we have seen people who have been affected by this deadly disease. It is on that basis that United Nigeria has decided to work with the Nigerian Cancer Society in a special way to mount a campaign against cancer in Nigeria,” he said.

Under the partnership, passengers booking tickets through the airline’s website will be able to make voluntary financial contributions to support cancer awareness and treatment.

According to Okonkwo, passengers can donate amounts ranging from N1,000, N2,000 and N5,000 to higher sums, depending on their financial capacity.

He stressed that all funds raised through the initiative would go directly to an account designated by the Nigerian Cancer Society.

“Our passengers would have the opportunity to contribute to the fight against cancer in a very simple but unique, innovative way. You book a ticket and have the option to make a voluntary contribution on our platform,” he said.

The airline also plans to use its flights and other communication channels to promote the campaign.

Okonkwo disclosed that cabin crew members would make announcements and engage passengers on the importance of cancer awareness, while information materials would be placed in seat pockets.

Co-branded campaign materials would also be displayed at check-in counters to encourage participation.

He said the airline was expanding its fundraising efforts beyond passengers who book tickets through its website, urging other Nigerians to support the initiative through donations and bank transfers.

The website is our main target for fundraising. But we are going to the next level by putting information in the seat pockets behind every passenger’s seat.

“We are appealing to those who may have missed buying their ticket through the website to also chip in, by making a transfer or giving their spare change, to help a small baby or a poor woman who may have breast cancer or any other type of cancer,” he said.

Okonkwo also appealed to Nigerians, media organisations and the airline’s followers to publicise the campaign and encourage more people to participate.

Speaking at the briefing, President of the Nigerian Cancer Society, Prof. Abidemi Omonisi, described the partnership as an important intervention in addressing the financial challenges associated with cancer care in Nigeria.

Omonisi, a pathologist, commended the airline for initiating the programme as part of its corporate social responsibility efforts.

He explained that cancer treatment places a significant financial burden on patients and their families, noting that the disease could impoverish even wealthy households.

According to him, advanced treatments such as immunotherapy can cost as much as N50 million.

He added that patients from rural communities face additional challenges, including transportation costs and expenses associated with temporary accommodation in major cities where specialised treatment is available.

These difficulties, he said, sometimes force patients to abandon treatment before completing their medical care.

Omonisi said funds raised through the partnership would support nationwide early cancer screening, diagnostic assistance and treatment for indigent patients in urban centres and underserved rural communities.

He emphasised that early detection remains critical to improving cancer treatment outcomes, noting that patients diagnosed at earlier stages generally have better chances of successful treatment.

The NCS president also called for organised and sustained national screening programmes, describing them as essential to reducing cancer-related deaths in developing countries.

However, he cautioned against one-off screening exercises that identify suspected cancer cases without providing continuous support and follow-up care for affected patients.

Omonisi further called for increased public education to address misconceptions about cancer symptoms and treatment.

He cited instances where early breast cancer symptoms were mistaken for minor boils or attributed to spiritual attacks, thereby delaying medical attention.

He urged Nigerians to seek timely medical evaluation and support efforts to improve access to screening, diagnosis and treatment.

The partnership is expected to leverage United Nigeria Airlines’ passenger network and communication platforms to expand cancer awareness, mobilise financial support and improve access to essential cancer services across the country.