NSE Corporate Challenge: 850 Participants Defy Rain, Run against Cancer

Martins Ifijeh

More than 850 participants braved the rain to support the fight against cancer at the 4th edition of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) Corporate Challenge on last weekend at the Onikan Stadium, Lagos.

The NSE Corporate Challenge is an annual, highly competitive and fun-filled five kilometre walk, jog and run competition designed to raise awareness and funds for the purchase of 37 Mobile Cancer Centres (MCCs), valued at $613,000 each.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer, NSE, Mr. Oscar Onyema, said “It’s amazing and emotional to see a lot of people turn out in the pouring rain to save lives. Cancer doesn’t care about the weather, and neither do we. This year’s event attracted over 200 partner companies who are all in massive support for the cause to tackle the cancer scourge in Nigeria.”

Onyema lauded the listed companies, non-listed companies, organisations, notable Nigerians and celebrities for their continuous support for the NSE Corporate Challenge since inception. “We remained focus in one of our CSR efforts of mobilising funds for the purchase of Mobile Cancer Centres in the country. Through this initiative, we want to provide access for early detection and treatment of cancers so that people can live to their full potentials. With your support, we believe we can save lives.”

The Ondo State First Lady and founder of Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN), Mrs. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, commended NSE for galvanising efforts to raise awareness and mobilise funds for the purchase of Mobile Cancer screening centres, across the 36 states in the country. She called for increased investments through a public-private sector partnership that will improve the screening process for cancer in Nigeria, considering the huge costs involved.

She used the occasion to call on the federal government to effect policies that will attract private capital investments into the healthcare sector, to tackle diseases like cancer.

The Acting Head, Corporate Services Division, Ms. Pai Gamde, stated that “the inconvenience of the rain cannot be compared to the pain of cancer. We are indescribably grateful and awestruck by the love and support shown by all who came to participate: our walkers, teams, sponsors, donors, volunteers, everyone who made this day possible.

“This year, we worked in close partnership with various sponsors, partners and volunteers. Our sponsors include, Dangote Cement Plc, Diamond Bank Plc, Eterna PLC, FBN Holdings, FCMB, Fidelity Bank PLC, Lafarge Africa Plc, Nestoil Limited, Nigerian Breweries PLC, Stanbic IBTC Holdings, Unilever Plc, Union Bank Plc and Wapic Insurance PLC, X3m Music, Nuli Lounge, Aquadana, Emergency Rescue, among others.

Anokue Uzochukwu from Cutix Plc emerge the overall winner of this edition of Challenge, winning a return ticket to London, courtesy of Medview Airline Plc, a tablet and Gym membership from Bodyline.

Austin Ani from Stanbic IBTC and Igiriogun John Bosco from Cutix Plc came second and third respectively winning a smartphone and gym membership each. Okorie Chisom Favour from Dangote Group Plc emerge the fastest female winning a return ticket to London, courtesy of Medview Airline Plc, a smartphone and Gym membership from Bodyline. Graeme Bride from Lafarge came first in the senior citizen category, wining a smartphone and Gym membership.