Lagos: BRICON Foundation, a non-governmental organisation, has emphasised the importance of empowering and integrating cancer survivors into society to help restore their sense of belonging and quality of life. Co-founder Mrs Abigail Simon-Hart highlighted this need during the 2025 Cancer Survivor Conference, themed ‘Together we RISE’, held in Lagos.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Simon-Hart stressed that cancer survivors require the same level of attention post-treatment to help them overcome challenges and ease the financial burdens incurred during treatment. She stated, “Life after cancer deserves as much attention as treatment. Survival is not just about defeating cancer, but also about rebuilding lives.”
Simon-Hart elaborated on the financial difficulties faced by many cancer patients, noting that the disease often leaves survivors struggling to rebuild their lives and livelihoods. The conference aimed to offer survivors opportunities to share their experiences and access support programmes designed to restore their stability and confidence.
The foundation, co-founded with Dr Niyi Adekeye in 2016, was established to support cancer patients and their families while addressing gaps in cancer care. Since its inception, BRICON Foundation has raised over N100 million, trained healthcare workers, distributed mastectomy wear, and supported survivors’ children in schools, among other initiatives.
Dr Niyi Adekeye, co-founder, announced the unveiling of BRICON’s micro-grant programme, in partnership with Beiersdorf Nivea’s Moments of Care initiative, to rehabilitate, empower, and integrate survivors. NAN reports that Nivea donated over N46 million to the foundation during the conference, marking the largest donation received by BRICON.
Adekeye commended Nivea for its generosity, noting that the donation would significantly aid survivors in completing their treatment and reintegrating into productive business and community life. He emphasised that survivorship must become a central pillar of Nigeria’s cancer response, alongside early detection, accessible treatment, and quality palliative care.
Mr Dele Adeyole, Country Head of Beiersdorf Nivea Nigeria, stated that the initiative aligns with the company’s global social responsibility focus, highlighting Nivea’s commitment to extending care beyond skincare by investing in communities and making meaningful impacts in people’s lives.
Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, Special Adviser on Health to the Lagos State Governor, underscored the need for private-public partnerships to ensure wider access to cancer care. Plans are underway to expand access to cancer treatment across the state.
NAN also reported that a training session titled ‘Small Business, Big Vision’ was organised for participants at the conference.