The Nigerian Cancer Society (NCS) has inaugurated its Southern Africa International Chapter today, Friday, 15th August 2025, at the Protea Hotel Marriott Wanderers, Johannesburg, South Africa. The ceremony, led by NCS President/CEO Prof. Abidemi Omonisi, marks a major milestone in the Society’s mission to strengthen cancer prevention, treatment, and advocacy across the continent. The Hon. Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, was represented at the event by his Special Adviser (Technical), Dr. Kehinde Ololade, who delivered a goodwill message.
The new chapter will oversee NCS activities across South Africa, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Zambia, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Angola, and Mozambique. Dr. Emmanuel Nweke has been appointed as the Chapter Leader and will also be decorated as an NCS Ambassador by Prof. Omonisi. Distinguished NCS officials, including Immediate Past President Dr. Adamu Alhassan Umar and Assistant Secretary-General Dr. Tessy Ahmadu, joined other members to witness the historic launch.
In a related development, the African HPV and Cervical Cancer Coalition (AHPBCC) Executive Council has unanimously voted for Abuja, Nigeria to host the 2026 Annual AHPBCC Conference under the theme “AHPBCC Nigeria Abuja 2026.” Prof. Omonisi hailed both milestones as a united step towards the Society’s vision, declaring: “Together, we will make cancer a history in Nigeria and Africa at large.”