Nigerian Bags U.S. Global Ties Award

Mr Runcie Chidebe has won the 2020 International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) Alumni Award for Social Innovation and Change sponsored by the U.S. Department of State.

A statement by Daniel Bremer-Wirtig, Director of External Affairs, Global Ties United States of America said Chidebe stood out in lending his voice to health advocacy and civil society activism.

“Through Project PINK BLUE, Chidebe mobilised over 3,000 people each year to walk in cities across Nigeria to create cancer awareness and advocate the Nigerian government to improve cancer care and make health insurance mandatory.

“Chidebe is a health advocate, civil society activist, and his many accomplishments include launching trainings for oncology care, volunteer mentorships, establishing breast cancer support groups.

“He advocated for improved cancer care and mandatory health insurance.

“He also led campaigns to establish the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment through an act of the Nigerian Parliament, and sits on several committees to ensure its implementation, as well as other programs for cancer prevention.”

Runcie, in 2016 had visited six U.S. cities — Washington, DC; Baltimore, MD; Battleboro, VT; Albuquerque, NM; Philadelphia, PA; Austin, TX — where he made several connections that led him to advance his work in Nigeria.

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