The Okapi Children Cancer Foundation (OkapiCCF) is mobilising Nigerians across 10 cities for its 10th annual Childhood Cancer Awareness Walk, as part of efforts to increase awareness of childhood cancer and promote early detection and support for affected families.
The annual campaign is scheduled for Saturday, September 26, 2026, with the flagship walk in Abuja set to begin at 7:00 a.m. from Jabi Lake Mall. The foundation said similar activities would take place simultaneously in nine other cities.
The initiative is being held as part of the foundation’s broader campaign to draw public attention to the challenges faced by children living with cancer and their families, while encouraging communities to recognise possible warning signs and seek medical attention promptly.
The founder and chief volunteer of OkapiCCF, Kemi Adekanye, announced the plans in a statement on Tuesday, describing the 2026 edition as an opportunity to sustain public engagement on childhood cancer and strengthen support for affected children nationwide.
The 2026 event marks the 10th edition of the foundation’s awareness walk. Organisers are encouraging members of the public, families, cancer survivors, health professionals, volunteers and other supporters to participate.
Beyond the symbolic walk, the campaign is expected to provide an opportunity for conversations around childhood cancer, including the importance of awareness, early diagnosis and access to appropriate care.
For families confronting childhood cancer, diagnosis can bring significant emotional, medical and financial pressures. Advocacy campaigns such as the Okapi walk seek to keep those experiences in the public conversation and encourage greater community support.
The foundation’s official website lists the 2026 event as a 10km symbolic walk in Abuja, alongside other activities designed to engage participants and raise awareness.
OkapiCCF has also promoted the event as a 10-city campaign under the theme of collective action, with organisers calling on Nigerians to take part in raising awareness and showing solidarity with children and families affected by cancer.
With childhood cancer awareness activities taking place during September, the foundation hopes the campaign will help amplify the voices of affected families and encourage greater attention to the needs of children living with cancer.
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