By Opeyemi Babalola
02 June 2024 | 3:29 am
Cancer remains a significant health challenge in Nigeria and across Africa. According to recent statistics, Nigeria records about 125,000 new
Pastor (Mrs) Fadeke Olugbemi (left); Pastor (Dr) Olubayo Olugbemi and the Chief Medical Director, University College Hospital Ibadan, Professor Abiodun Otegbayo at the commissioning of a Cancer Centre donated to UCH by the Olufunke Kikelomo Olugbemi Foundation. PHOTO: UCH MEDIA UNIT
Cancer remains a significant health challenge in Nigeria and across Africa. According to recent statistics, Nigeria records about 125,000 new cancer cases annually, with an estimated 70,000 deaths. The most common cancers include breast, cervical, prostate, colon and liver cancers.
The high mortality rate is largely due to late detection and limited access to treatment facilities. These sobering statistics underscore the urgent need for more cancer care facilities and improved access to early diagnosis and treatment .
Understanding this, the family of Bayo Olugbemi donated a cancer centre, Olufunke Kikelomo Olugbemi Cancer Centre to the Radiation Oncology Department of University College Hospital (UCH), in honour of the late Pastor Mrs. Olufunke Kikelomo Olugbemi.
The effort is part of the family’s contribution to fight against cancer and improve healthcare in the country. The commissioning and handover of the centre to UCH commemorate the death of their beloved wife and mother, Olufunke Kikelomo who passed on May 27, 2016.
The head of the family and husband of the deceased, Pastor Bayo Olugbemi, speaking at the handover ceremony, said his wife’s courageous battle with Colon Cancer inspired the creation of the foundation that donated the centre.
“Her legacy lives on through the Olufunke Kikelomo Olugbemi Cancer Foundation (OKOCAF), which was established by her loving family following her passing. Her vision and fighting spirit is the driving force of our mission to prevent cancer by detecting it early and assisting in providing comprehensive treatment to enhance survival rates.
“The Olufunke Kikelomo Olugbemi Cancer Foundation’s journey began with the acquisition of a building along Adeoyo State Hospital, Ring Road, lbadan for the purpose of siting a cancer research, prevention and care centre.
“However, upon careful consideration and analysis, it became clear that a facility of this magnitude would be best managed by a tertiary health institution, hence our decision to embark on this project .
“On the foregoing, we are here today to officially commission and handover the Olufunke Kikelomo Olugbemi Cancer Centre to the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, a center of excellence in healthcare.
“We are gathered here not only to celebrate the completion of the building but also to acknowledge the collaborative efforts and divine providence that made this project possible.
“The successful funding and completion of this centre is a testament to the dedication and combined resources of the foundation and its benefactors. For this, we give all the glory to God.
“The opening of this centre marks only the first phase of our broader vision. Our next step is to equip this facility with the state-of-the-art cancer diagnostic and treatment tools. These advancements will aid in cancer research, early detection, and effective treatment, significantly improving patient outcomes.
“To achieve this, we extend a heartfelt appeal for your continued support and contributions. Together, we can make a transformative impact in the fight against cancer.
“The relevance of the Olufunke Kikelomo Olugbemi Cancer Foundation cannot be overstated. By establishing this centre, we are not only honouring the memory of a beloved wife, sister and mother but also addressing a critical healthcare gap in our country.”
He was optimistic that the centre will provide much-needed resources for cancer patients, offering hope and the possibility of better outcomes.
Olugbemi appreciated everyone who has contributed to the noble cause in one form or the other, stating that their support and dedication have been instrumental in bringing the vision to life.
“As we hand over this facility to UCH, we do so with the hope and confidence that it will become a beacon of hope for cancer patients and a centre of excellence in cancer care.”
On his part, the Chief Medical Director (CMD), UCH, Professor Abiodun Otegbayo, described the gesture as a celebration of “a remarkable testament to the power of love, compassion, and generosity.”
“Today marks the commissioning of the Olufunke Kikelomo Olugbemi Cancer Centre, generously donated by Dr. Bayo Olugbemi in honour of his beloved late wife, Pastor Mrs. Olufunke Kikelomo Olugbemi.
“As we stand here, we are not only celebrating the legacy of a remarkable individual but also embrace the promise of hope and healing that this centre represents.
“The journey leading to this day has been one filled with both challenges and triumphs. Cancer, as we all know, is a formidable adversary. It knows no boundaries of age, gender, or social status. It strikes with stealth and tenacity, challenging us to confront our deepest fears and summon our greatest strengths.
“Yet, in the face of this daunting foe, there shine a light of unwavering determination and solidarity of individuals like Dr. Bayo Olugbemi and the enduring spirit of love embodied by Pastor Mrs. Olufunke Kikelomo Olugbemi.
“This Olufunke Kikelomo Cancer Centre is more than just a building, it is a sanctuary of healing, compassion, and hope. Within these walls, cutting-edge medical technology will be wielded with skills and expertise by our dedicated team of healthcare professionals.
“But beyond the medical treatments and interventions, it is the human touch, the empathy and the understanding that will define the essence of this centre.
“As we embark on this new chapter in our fight against cancer, let us reaffirm our commitment to excellence in patient care, research, and education. Let us strive to push the boundaries of medical innovation and to harness the full potential of modern technology in our quest to conquer this disease.
“And let us never forget the faces and stories behind the statistics—the lives that have been touched, the families that have been forever changed, and the countless individuals who continue to inspire us with their resilience and strength.
“To Dr. Bayo Olugbemi, we offer our deepest gratitude for your extraordinary generosity and your unwavering dedication to the cause of cancer care. Your selfless act of kindness will forever be etched in the annals of our history, and your wife’s legacy will live on through the countless lives that will be touched by this centre.”
The late Olufunke Kikelomo Olugbemi was born into the family of late Chief Adafin Ali Adebobagun of lloro Quarters, Owo and late Mrs. GaliatuAdafin Ali Adebobagun, whose parents originally hailed from Ughelli in Delta State but settled in Owo.
Her maternal grandfather was one of the first non-Owo indigenes to be conferred with a traditional title of Adanigbo by the Olowo of Owo. She was educated at Owo, both her primary and secondary education, the latter which she completed at St. Catherine Girls School, Owo.
After Secondary School Education, she came to Lagos in 1984 in search of the proverbial golden fleece to live with her elder brother, late Mr. Ibrahim Adafin and later, Mrs. Rhoda Adeboye Okundalaye (Née ADAFIN) popularly known as lya Wale.
Her mum, who she was very close to, died shortly after in 1985. Her mum’s death was so devastating to her and affected her education. She later enrolled at DAF Vocational Institute, Isolo to read for a Diploma Course in Secretarial Studies.
She worked as a class teacher in a Nursery and Primary School between 1987 and 1990. She met her friend and later her husband, Pastor Bayo Olugbemi in 1985 at Ishaga, Isolo where both of them resided.
