Hannatu Ayuba, Consultant Radiation and Clinical Oncologist at National Hospital Abuja, shared on LinkedIn:
“A Beautiful Moment of Connection, Leadership and Collective Impact at ICW2026.
It was a truly beautiful and inspiring moment meeting with oncology nurses, Hub Coordinators and nurses from our different TeleOncology Hub partner facilities following my lecture on ‘Supporting Patients in the Cancer Care Journey’ at the Oncology Nurses Association of Nigeria (ONAN) 1st Conference, a side event of the International Cancer Week (ICW).
For many of us, this was more than just a meeting.
It was a moment of connection, recognition and celebration of a shared journey.
We had nurses and Hub Coordinators from:
- Federal Medical Centre, Nguru
- Federal Medical Centre, Jalingo
- Yobe State University Teaching Hospital
- University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital
- Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe
Some of these colleagues had known one another primarily through our virtual Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) meetings, working together across geographical boundaries to coordinate cancer care for patients in underserved communities.
Today, they finally met physically.
The excitement, warm embraces, laughter, team spirit and photographs captured something powerful: a network that has evolved beyond technology into a community of professionals united by a common purpose.
Our recent Focus Group Discussion on Oncology Nursing Leadership – Participants described how involvement in the TeleOncology Hub Community Patient Navigation Programme has transformed their professional identity.
They no longer see themselves only as providers of direct patient care.
They increasingly see themselves as:
- Leaders
- Care coordinators
- Patient advocates
- Navigators and facilitators
- Connectors across different levels of the health system
This is why I strongly believe that Oncology Nursing Leadership is a catalyst for Health Systems Strengthening.
When nurses are empowered to lead, coordinate, advocate and navigate – not merely to deliver tasks – the health system becomes more connected, responsive and patient – centred.
Then came another beautiful moment.
We gathered together with the Yvonne Awards Trophy for Community Oncology, celebrating what this team has achieved collectively.
This award is dedicated to You.
To every oncology nurse, Hub Coordinator and patient navigator who continues to show dedication, compassion, resilience and commitment to ensuring that patients in underserved communities are not left behind.
Your work reminds us that cancer care is not only about treatment.
It is about people, dignity, continuity of care, compassion and hope.
From virtual MDT meetings to physical encounters, from hospital corridors to communities, you are helping to build a stronger and more equitable cancer care system.
Thank you for being part of this journey.
The journey continues.”
Other articles featuring Hannatu Ayuba on OncoDaily.
