For thousands of Nigerians families, cancer awareness is becoming increasingly urgent, as the ruthless affliction remains more than a medical diagnosis. It is a painful journey marked by late detection, expensive treatment, financial hardship and, sometimes, the loss of loved ones.
Now, United Nigeria Airlines is turning its passenger network into a fundraising platform to confront the disease. The airline has partnered with the Nigerian Cancer Society (NCS) to promote cancer awareness, encourage early screening and detection and mobilise financial support for cancer-related interventions.
The initiative carries a deeply personal meaning for United Nigeria Airlines Managing Director, Mazi Osita Okonkwo. He disclosed that he is a cancer survivor, while two of his sisters died from the disease. His experience, he said, has strengthened his determination to encourage Nigerians to seek medical attention.
“I am a cancer survivor myself, and I also have my sister died of cancer. My two sisters, actually, were cancer victims,” Okonkwo said. He explained that sharing personal experiences could give hope to people confronting similar challenges. “We are not shy talking about it because if you are able to tell the story, it gives hope to the other person who may be having that problem or who may think that this is a death sentence. It is not.”
Cancer awareness: Turning airline passengers into lifesavers
Under the partnership, United Nigeria Airlines will introduce voluntary donations through its online ticket booking platform. Passengers purchasing tickets can contribute from ₦1,000 upwards. They can also donate ₦2,000, ₦5,000, ₦100,000 or any amount they choose.
Okonkwo explained that all donations would go directly to an account designated by the Nigerian Cancer Society. The society will receive the funds and apply them to its cancer-related programmes. This arrangement allows passengers to support cancer awareness and interventions without making separate fundraising arrangements.
The airline also plans to extend its cancer awareness fundraising beyond its website. Information materials will be placed in aircraft seat pockets, giving passengers another opportunity to participate. Those who miss the online donation option can make transfers or contribute through other designated channels. Meanwhile, the airline’s cabin services team will help communicate the campaign during flights.
Okonkwo said the airline would use its extensive domestic passenger network to spread information about cancer awareness. He also appealed to journalists and media organisations to sustain public education beyond the launch. According to him, small contributions from many passengers could collectively make a significant difference.
Nigerian Cancer Society warns about dangerous screening gaps
President and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Cancer Society, Prof. Abidemi Omonisi, described early detection as one of Nigeria’s strongest opportunities to reduce cancer deaths. He said the society had spent nearly 60 years promoting education, research, screening and patient support.
However, Omonisi identified the absence of a coordinated national screening programme as a major weakness in Nigeria’s healthcare response. Unlike developed countries, where organised programmes remind eligible citizens to undergo regular examinations, Nigeria largely depends on isolated screening exercises. He warned that identifying patients without providing clear referral and treatment pathways discourages people from seeking screening.
He explained that early diagnosis could produce favourable outcomes despite Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure challenges. As an example, he cited a breast cancer survivor approaching 30 years of survival. Her diagnosis at stage one, he said, demonstrated the importance of detecting the disease before it advances.
“People shouldn’t die of cancer, ideally if they are discovered very early,” he said. Omonisi therefore urged Nigerians to take cancer awareness seriously and develop a culture of regular medical checks.
Cancer treatment costs push families into financial hardship
Beyond late diagnosis, the financial burden of cancer treatment remains a major challenge. Omonisi described cancer as a catastrophic disease capable of overwhelming even financially comfortable households. He cited immunotherapy as an example, saying a standard treatment could cost approximately ₦50 million.
The financial consequences extend beyond hospital bills. Many cancer centres are concentrated in major cities, forcing patients from rural communities to travel long distances. Some families sell houses, cars and other properties to finance treatment. Others struggle to afford transportation, accommodation and repeated hospital visits.
Omonisi said some patients manage to begin treatment but cannot afford to complete it. This creates another serious problem because interruptions can undermine treatment outcomes. He also highlighted patients who abandon hospital appointments because they cannot afford transport to treatment centres.
Consequently, the society believes cancer awareness must go hand in hand with practical support. Early detection remains the priority, but assistance with diagnosis and treatment is also necessary. The airline partnership could provide additional resources for addressing some of these difficulties.
Partnership targets misinformation and late detection
Okonkwo said the campaign would challenge misconceptions that attribute cancer to spiritual attacks, witchcraft or traditional enemies. He insisted that Nigerians must understand the importance of medical investigations and scientifically established treatment options.
Omonisi welcomed the initiative, describing it as an idea conceived 100% by United Nigeria Airlines through its corporate social responsibility commitment. He said the society had approached several organisations previously but struggled to secure sufficient support. He commended the airline for taking ownership of the initiative and recognising the importance of cancer awareness.
For both organisations, the partnership represents an attempt to turn public goodwill into practical assistance.
For Okonkwo, the message is simple: “We are flying for a purpose.” Through this partnership, United Nigeria Airlines hopes to make everyday air travel an opportunity to support a cause that could save lives.
