TVC’s Ayobami, Judith, 14 Others Selected for 2026 Naija Cancer Watch Fellowship
Two TVC News Journalists Selected for Naija Cancer Watch Fellowship
Ayooluwa Ayobami and Judith Irenoa, journalists from TVC News, have been selected for the 2026 Naija Cancer Watch Fellowship, a program aimed at enhancing health journalism in Nigeria. Organized by Sebeccly Cancer Care, the fellowship focuses on strengthening media coverage of cancer and other public health issues.
Ayobami and Irenoa are among 16 journalists chosen from across the country following a competitive application process. The fellowship is recognized as one of Africa’s premier health journalism training initiatives, designed to equip participants with the skills to counter misinformation about cancer, promote evidence-based reporting, and increase public awareness.
The second cohort of the fellowship commenced on July 29 at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos. It brings together journalists from various leading media organizations nationwide. Participants will receive training from experts in oncology, public health, and health policy, aimed at enhancing the quality of cancer reporting and fostering accurate dissemination of health information.
Notable facilitators include Dr. Ololade Kehinde, Special Assistant to the Minister of State for Health; Prof. Solomon O. Rotimi, a cancer researcher at Covenant University; and Prof. Ademola Ayodele Oremosun, Provost of the College of Medicine at the University of Lagos, along with Ijeoma Ezenwere, Communications Lead at the Aspire Coronation Trust Foundation.
This fellowship coincides with the 20th anniversary of Sebeccly Cancer Care, an NGO founded by oncologist Dr. Omolola Salako. Over the past two decades, the organization has conducted awareness campaigns that have reached more than three million individuals through cancer education and advocacy initiatives.
During the fellowship’s opening session, Dr. Adaorah Enyi, CEO of Oncopadi Technologies Limited, addressed the pressing issue of cancer in Nigeria. She reported that more than 127,000 Nigerians are diagnosed with cancer each year, with the country experiencing one of the highest cancer mortality rates globally.
Dr. Enyi emphasized the challenges faced by patients, stating that nearly seven out of ten Nigerians diagnosed with cancer die from the disease. Contributing factors include delayed diagnosis, misdiagnosis, inadequate access to treatment, and fragmented healthcare systems.
The fellowship aims to empower journalists to deliver accurate, impactful reports that enhance public understanding of cancer, promote early detection, and advocate for improved cancer care in Nigeria.
