By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The management of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) says plans have been concluded to hold the 4th edition of its annual NSE Corporate Challenge tagged ‘eRace Cancer 2.0’ on Saturday, July 1, 2017, at the Onikan Stadium, Lagos.
This initiative was established in 2014 as a response to the staggering statistics on cancer. Annually, over 100,000 Nigerians are diagnosed with cancer, and about 80,000 die (approximately 10 deaths every hour) with a dismal survival rate of 1:5. Survival is even lower for other types of cancer such as blood cancers.
The NSE Corporate Challenge is an annual, highly competitive and fun-filled 5-kilometre walk, jog and run competition designed to raise awareness and funds for the purchase of 37 Mobile Cancer Centers (MCCs), valued at $613,000 each.
The World Health Organization (WHO) says regular exercise is one of the most simple and fun ways that people worldwide can reduce their cancer risk.
The messages around sport are in sync with our cancer messages about the importance of eating healthy, encouraging one another to achieve common goals and working together.
According to Ms Pai Gamde, Acting Head, Corporate Services Division at NSE, the NSE Corporate Challenge has continued to help raise awareness on cancer and its early prevention.
“By bringing everyone together, the Competition provides a more holistic approach towards raising awareness about cancer and engages the public to take proactive steps in its prevention.
“More importantly, we are making progress with our quest to procure Mobile Cancer Centre (MCC) Units.
“These MCCs will conduct community outreach for screening and treatment of prevalent cancers to save lives and significantly reduce our country’s startling statistics of cancer deaths.
“A significant amount of monies raised annually goes to a dedicated bank account towards the procurement of the proposed MCCs,” she said.
Also commenting, Olumide Orojimi, Head, Corporate Communications, NSE said “the NSE Corporate Challenge has grown into a signature fundraising event that many institutions are fast associating with to contribute their quota in raising awareness and funds to fight cancer.
“Many have also come to appreciate the athleticism value this event adds to wellness of participants as well as its team bonding potentials. We will continue to innovate the experience to make it a sought after event, year on year.”
“As at today, we have received sponsorship commitments from Dangote Cement Plc, Fidelity Bank Plc, Union Bank of Nigeria Plc, Nestoil Plc, FBN Holdings Plc, Lafarge Africa Plc, Diamond Bank Plc, Unilever Plc, Nestle Plc, Bodyline Fitness and Gym Ltd, Emergency Rescue and Lotus Fitness and Gym Ltd, “ he added
The race is open to all dealing member firms, listed and non-listed companies, law firms, government and non-governmental organizations, running clubs and individuals. Registration for the race can be done at www.nse.com.ng/corporatechallenge.
