Dove-Haven Foundation says it reached over one million people through cancer awareness and screening campaign across five Oyo State institutions

A Kogi State-based non-governmental organisation, Dove-Haven Foundation, has said it has reached more than one million people through a 10-month cancer awareness and screening campaign carried out across five higher institutions in Oyo State.

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The Executive Director of the foundation, Dr Ekundayo Samuel, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists in Lokoja on Tuesday, 28 April 2026.

The foundation also said about 2,200 students and staff benefited directly from screenings and related interventions conducted during the project period.

The initiative, known as Project CARES (Campus-based Cancer Awareness and Rapid Early Screening), ran from June 2025 to March 2026 and focused on improving early detection and prevention among young people.

Dr Samuel said the programme was designed to address rising cancer risks linked to low awareness, lifestyle changes and weak prevention practices among youths.

The outreach covered the University of Ibadan, The Polytechnic Ibadan, Oyo State College of Nursing Sciences, Lead City University, and the Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Ibadan.

Activities included health education sessions, stakeholder engagements, free cervical and prostate screenings, inter-institutional cancer quiz competitions, and media campaigns across digital and traditional platforms.

As part of sustainability efforts, the foundation appointed 50 students and 50 staff members as cancer advocates to support ongoing awareness and early detection efforts within the institutions.

The project was implemented in partnership with Patela Care Foundation and funded by Aspire Coronation Trust Foundation with support from Access Bank.

Institutional leaders praised the intervention, describing it as timely and impactful in improving health awareness across campuses.

The programme concluded on 31 March 2026 at Trenchard Hall, University of Ibadan, where Lead City University emerged winner of the inter-institutional cancer awareness quiz competition.

Dr Samuel, speaking on behalf of the Board of Trustees, described the initiative as part of the foundation’s broader commitment to reducing the cancer burden in underserved communities.

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Dove-Haven Foundation, which operates from Isanlu in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, said it continues to focus on awareness, screening, patient support and referral services for rural and vulnerable populations.