In a powerful blend of creativity and compassion, the Nigeria Solidarity Support Fund (NSSF) has launched the ‘A Mural of Hope’ campaign an advocacy-driven initiative aimed at promoting healing through art while addressing the alarming burden of childhood cancer in Nigeria.
The campaign, launched in partnership with Bio Ventures for Global Health (BVGH), BLFA Global, and the Medicaid Cancer Foundation, seeks to engage young artists in transforming the paediatric oncology ward of the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH) into a beacon of hope and resilience.
At the heart of this campaign lies a sobering reality: as many as 70% of children diagnosed with cancer in Nigeria abandon treatment, often due to emotional exhaustion, limited financial resources, and a lack of psychosocial support. ‘A Mural of Hope’ is designed as a creative health intervention, using public art to bring comfort to patients and families while shining a national spotlight on the importance of holistic cancer care.
“At NSSF, we believe that health is more than just medicine it is about compassion, community, and courage,” said Dr. Fejiro Chinye-Nwoko, Managing Director of NSSF.
“This campaign allows young artists to channel their creativity into something deeply impactful. Through a single mural, we hope to remind every child receiving treatment that they are not alone.”
The initiative is open to young artists aged 18–35 residing in Abuja, who are invited to submit original mural designs that capture themes of hope, strength, and healing. The winning artist will receive a ₦ equivalent of $500 cash prize, have their mural materials fully sponsored, and gain national recognition across multiple platforms, including NSSF, BVGH, and the Medicaid Cancer Foundation.
Beyond the accolades, the artist will have the unique opportunity to paint their mural design directly on the wall of the paediatric oncology ward at UATH, where it will serve as a permanent symbol of light in the lives of young patients.
How to Participate:
Interested artists are encouraged to:
Register via the NSSF website: www.nigeriasolidarityfund.ng
Create a 2–3 minute video showcasing:Their mural design
Their creative process
The meaning and message behind their artwork
Post the video and artwork on Instagram
Tag @nssf_wenaija and use the hashtag #AMuralOfHope
Ensure their Instagram profile is set to public
Submission Deadline: July 12, 2025
The ‘A Mural of Hope’ campaign is a testament to how multi-sectoral partnerships can drive innovative, people-centred solutions in healthcare.
“We see this project as a model of how cross-sector collaboration can create real, lasting impact,” Dr. Chinye-Nwoko added. “By bringing together healthcare professionals, youth creatives, and civil society, we are demonstrating that improving lives requires more than just policy it requires participation.”
For more information, visit: www.nigeriasolidarityfund.ng
Follow the campaign on Instagram: @nssf_wenaija | Hashtag: #AMuralOfHope
