By Peter Omopo | August 1, 2025
LAGOS, NIGERIA — In a heartfelt tribute to his late wife, former Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan, has unveiled the Nanafatimah Bamigbetan Oncology Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to tackling Nigeria’s growing cancer burden through education, research, and policy engagement.
The foundation was formally launched on Monday at the Lagos State College of Medicine, Ikeja, with stakeholders from the medical, academic, and media communities in attendance.
According to a press statement from the foundation, the initiative seeks to transform cancer treatment in Nigeria by promoting early detection, advanced therapies, and a strong research base—moving beyond the country’s current reliance on surgical intervention.
Chairman of the Board of Trustees and clinical oncologist, Dr. Omolara Fatiregun, said the foundation is designed to close the gap between medical science and policymaking in the fight against cancer.
“There is a need to bring policymakers and scientists together,” she said. “This vision is a call to action. We urge donors and institutions to invest in this initiative to transform the oncology landscape in Nigeria.”
Fatiregun also announced that the foundation plans to collaborate with top local and international academic institutions to offer scholarships and research funding for medical students—especially those focusing on oncology.
She emphasized the urgency of transitioning cancer care in Nigeria from a predominantly surgical approach to one centered on medication and advanced, patient-centered therapies.
Supporting the vision, Felicia Sonubi, Managing Director of Africa Emerging Trustees, commended the initiative and called for more philanthropic and institutional support for cancer-related research. She revealed that a financial management plan and a board of trustees had already been established to ensure transparency and long-term sustainability.
Speaking at the launch, Mr. Bamigbetan revealed that the foundation had secured an initial funding of ₦10 million to commence operations. He expressed his hope that the foundation would become a beacon of knowledge, advocacy, and support in the battle against cancer in Nigeria.
“One way to fight this disease is by investing in research and building a knowledge base, and that is what this foundation is set to do,” he stated. “We’ve put the right structure and capable hands in place to drive this mission forward.”
The unveiling ceremony attracted notable personalities including Gbenga Adefaye, Provost of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism; Tayo Akanle, General Manager of Lagos Traffic Radio; former Nigerian Ambassador to Cuba, Segun Bamigbetan-Baju; Leye Fadipe, Regional Director of UBA; Meka Adesina, Managing Director of Techtrust; Bola Awosika; and Temitope Lakisokun, President of the Nigerian chapter of the Association of Political Consultants-Africa.
The Nanafatimah Bamigbetan Oncology Foundation is expected to become a central force in cancer advocacy and treatment innovation, while preserving the legacy of a woman whose memory now fuels a mission of hope.
