NICRAT DG Inaugurates 2026 ICW Planning Committee

The Director General of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), Prof. Usman Malami Aliyu, has formally inaugurated the Planning Committee for the 2026 International Cancer Week (ICW).

The planning committee was inaugurated via a zoom meeting on Thursday, June 11, 2026.

The ICW 2026 Planning Committee is chaired by a Professor of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Prof. Emmanuel R. Ezeome.

Prof. Ezeome is a Surgical Oncologist and Head of General Surgery Division of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu.

Speaking while inaugurating the committee, the NICRAT Director General charged members of the committee to put in their best and bring their experiences to bear for the success of the event.

He noted that the committee which has membership from all sectors is formed with the believe that no single institution can tackle the challenge of cancer alone.

Prof. Malami appealed for the dedication and commitment of members of the committee in order to achieve the laid down objectives of the ICW for the good of all Nigerians.

He charged the committee to move beyond statement of intents and bring all their wealth of knowledge and experience to bear to assist in finding lasting solutions to the challenge of cancer in the country.

He commended the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare-Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate and the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, for their support to NICRAT in its effort to advance the renewed hope agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led government.

He congratulated all members of the committee and wished them success in the task ahead.

Speaking on behalf of other members of the Committee, the Chairman of the 2026 ICW Planning Committee, Prof. Emmanuel R. Ezeome, conveyed the acceptance of all members of the committee and applauded NICRAT for giving them the opportunity to serve the country in such capacity.

He vowed that: “It will be a period of serious engagement for all members of the committee,” assuring that all members of the committee are equal to the task based on their experiences.

He noted that the ICW 2026 planning committee is targeting at ensuring that the 2026 International Cancer Week “is taken to a higher level, project forward and make an impact in the society.”

The Planning Committee, he stressed, is ready and committed to delivering in this task.

It is worth noting that the ICW is an annual event that brings together stakeholders in the cancer space to share progress, challenges, innovations, and strategies for reducing the cancer burden in Nigeria and across the continent.

The forum also provides a space for the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and NICRAT to present their policies, innovative programmes and plans, workforce upskilling strategies, and available national and global grant funds, all aimed at enhancing and expanding cancer control.