Nigerian Cancer Control Advocate, Runcie Chidebe, Honoured By The US Department Of State

  Nigerian cancer control advocate, Runice Chidebe, has been honoured by the United States Department of State as one of the ‘’80 Faces of Exchange,’’ in what marked the 80th-anniversary commemoration of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). The Nigerian was selected for the award due to his remarkable exploits as a cancer policy advocate, global health, and the prevention of cancer in Nigeria.

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Chidebe who emerged as part of the top 80 out of 225,000 IVLP leaders all over the world has been consistent with applying leadership strategies towards facilitating social empowerment and justice in Nigeria which he gained during his time in the US as an IVLP participant (now an IVLP alumnus). It will be recalled that on December 2nd, 2020, the IVLP Alumni Association in Nigeria inaugurated its new executive council at the Sheraton Hotel, Abuja, as part of celebrations for the 80^th anniversary of the program, something the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Beth Leonard, believes is timely owing to the celebration of 60 years of bilateral relations between Nigeria and the United States of America. Every year, the embassy of the US and the Lagos consulate selects 50 exceptional Nigerians for the 1940-founded programme. Reacting to the award, Chidebe narrated how tough life as a cancer advocate is in Nigeria and advised African youths to seek ways towards developing their countries in diverse sectors.

‘Working in Nigeria’s cancer care, supporting the government in cancer policy and working with patients can be depressing. However, it is inspiring for me to be honoured among the 80 Faces of Exchanges by the US Department of State. I hope my story continues to inspire young people all over Nigeria and Africa to take up diverse sectors of development and make the needed positive change.’ Runcie Chidebe

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Founder and Executive Director of the Project PINK BLUE, Chidebe is a leading voice in cancer advocacy in Nigeria and was a key part of the IVLP visits to Washington DC, Brattleboro, Texas, Albuquerque, and some other cities which afforded him the platform to connect with numerous institutions such as the American Cancer Society, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, and Susan G. Komen. In a bid to give back to the Nigerian society, Chidebe with the aid of his US connection brought two American cancer doctors to Nigeria and saw them train 44 Nigerian doctors. Part of his exploits includes seeing to the training of 34 nurses, and the establishment of Nigeria’s first patient navigation. He has also seen to the launch of an online palliative clinic, translation of cancer awareness materials, and has been a key participant in numerous collaborative projects between Nigeria and the US. Notable as the US Department of State’s premier professional exchange programme, the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) ensures that current and emerging foreign leaders in diverse fields, through short-term visits to the United States, gain a first-hand US experience in leadership and build lasting relationships with the American community. Source: The Cable NG Featured Image Source: Birmingham City University

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This article was first published on 7th December 2020

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