The Nigerian Cancer Society (NCS), the umbrella body for all cancer organizations in Nigeria, has officially appointed Ms. Tinu Lawal, Founder of the Atinuke Cancer Foundation, as the Interim Chairperson of the Nigerian Cancer Society, Lagos State Chapter.
This historic appointment was made by the newly inaugurated President of the Nigerian Cancer Society, Professor Abidemi Ominisi, following his assumption of office on November 1, 2024. For the first time since its establishment in 1968, the NCS has formally created state chapters, appointing 37 chairpersons and secretaries to oversee cancer advocacy, patient support, and policy implementation across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
As part of his inaugural engagements, Professor Ominisi, accompanied by Ms. Tinu Lawal, paid courtesy visits to key stakeholders in the Lagos cancer space, including:
Professor Francis Abayomi Durosinmi-Etti – Nigeria’s first full Professor of Radiation Therapy and Oncology, appointed by the University of Lagos.
Professor John Oladapo Obafunwa – Director General of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), a distinguished Professor of Forensic Pathology and Consultant Anatomist.
Dr. Wellington – Director of Non-Communicable Diseases, Lagos State Ministry of Health.
Professor Charles Anunobi – Head, Anatomic and Molecular Pathology Department, LUTH.
Dr. Lilian Ekpo – Director, NSIA-LUTH Cancer Center.
Professor Fatimah Biade Abdul-Kareem – Professor of Medicine (Pathology).
Dr. Seye Akinsete – Pediatric Hematologist & Oncologist with expertise in clinical research/President, Nigerian Society of Pediatric Oncology (NISPO).
The visits reaffirmed the Nigerian Cancer Society’s commitment to strengthening partnerships, fostering collaboration, and advancing cancer control initiatives in Lagos State and beyond.
With a decade of impactful cancer advocacy, survivorship, and patient support, Tinu Lawal has been a beacon of hope in the fight against cancer. Also a full member of the Union for International Cancer Control UICC in Switzerland, Her relentless efforts in awareness creation, early detection programs, and access to treatment initiatives have transformed countless lives.
Her appointment as Interim Chairperson of NCS Lagos State is a testament to her unwavering dedication to cancer control efforts, patient care, and survivorship advocacy. Just four weeks ago, at her one-decade cancer survivorship celebration and book launch at the Muson Centre titled:
“ATINUKE – Cancer Messed with the Wrong Chic”, held at the Muson Centre, Lagos, she reiterated her commitment, stating:
“I may have had cancer, but cancer doesn’t have me. I will not relent in ensuring that cancer is eradicated while driving impactful interventions in Nigeria.”
Speaking on her appointment, Ms.Tinu Lawal Sanusi expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to serve and reaffirmed her dedication to:
✔ Cancer awareness and advocacy
✔ Early detection initiatives
✔ Ensuring access to quality treatment
✔ Providing patient and survivor support
She emphasized the importance of a united front in tackling cancer and pledged to work closely with key stakeholders to improve cancer care and policies in Lagos State.
The Nigerian Cancer Society remains steadfast in its mission to advance cancer control, patient-centred support programs, and policy advocacy across Nigeria.
Media Contact: PUNCH NEWSPAPER
Tinu Lawal
Chairperson
Nigerian Cancer Society, Lagos State
Founder, ATINUKE CANCER FOUNDATION
Full member: Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) CRM:0153695
fyoucancer1@gmail.com
[08023221549]
About the Nigerian Cancer Society (NCS)
Founded in 1968, the Nigerian Cancer Society (NCS) is the leading national body overseeing cancer prevention, early detection, treatment access, and survivorship support. The Society works in partnership with both national and international organizations to advance cancer care, research, and policy reforms in Nigeria.