ASABA/Nigeria: The Delta State Government has stepped firmly into the national battle against cancer, approving a N10 million donation to power Miss Chineyenwa Judith Amadi’s “A Ride for Life” campaign for indigent cancer patients across the country.
Presenting the cheque on behalf of the state government, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu, described cancer as one of the most devastating diseases confronting contemporary society and said the donation was made on the direct instruction of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
Emu said the state was honoured to associate with the initiative, describing the gesture as a statement of solidarity and a reaffirmation of the government’s commitment to humanity and the alleviation of suffering.
“This is our contribution, our statement of solidarity, and our commitment to humanity,” he said, adding that the burden of cancer affects families, communities and the entire healthcare system and that every effort to ease that burden deserved encouragement and support.
He disclosed that the state government was taking steps to establish a cancer treatment facility in Delta State to enable patients access quality care without the hardship of travelling long distances.
Commending Miss Amadi for riding a motorcycle across 16 countries as part of her advocacy, Emu said the administration was investing in saving lives, stressing that beyond goodwill, the government was providing the information, guidance and institutional support required to make such initiatives impactful.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, said prevention remained the most powerful weapon in the fight against cancer, noting that early detection through routine medical checks could significantly reduce the incidence and fatality of the disease.
He explained that cervical cancer could be prevented through timely medical procedures, while breast cancer, when detected early, was highly manageable. He added that the state government was not only expanding health infrastructure but also investing heavily in modern equipment.
According to him, Delta State currently has functional, state-of-the-art MRI facilities across its three senatorial districts, ranking among the best available and demonstrating the administration’s resolve to build a responsive healthcare system.
In her remarks, Miss Amadi expressed deep appreciation to the Delta State Government for the support, saying her initiative was inspired by personal encounters with cancer and aimed at helping patients who abandon treatment because they cannot afford it.
“This journey is deeply personal to me. I have lost loved ones to cancer and also seen survivors. I am very close to someone currently battling the disease, and that experience inspired this project,” she said.
She recalled that after personally supporting a cancer patient’s chemotherapy earlier in 2025, she realised many patients were forced to stop treatment due to lack of funds.
“They are not lacking courage; they are lacking support. That is why I created ‘A Ride for Life’ — to raise funds for people in this situation and remind them that they are not alone,” she said.
The presentation ceremony, held at the SSG’s Conference Hall in Asaba, was attended by the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu; the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Festus Ahon; and other senior government officials.
