Lagos, Nigeria — The Nanafatimah Bamigbetan Oncology Foundation, a new initiative aimed at combating Nigeria’s rising cancer burden through research, education, and policy engagement, has been launched.
The initiative established in honour of the late wife of former Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Kehinde Bamigbetan, the foundation was officially unveiled on Monday at the Lagos State College of Medicine, Ikeja.
This was revealed in a press statement made available by the foundation.
A clinical oncologist and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the foundation, Omolara Fatiregun, described it as an important platform to bridge the gap between medical science and policy formulation in the fight against cancer.
She said, “There is a need to bring policymakers and scientists together.
“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 added that the foundation would partner with top academic institutions both locally and internationally to provide scholarships and fund research for medical students, particularly in the field of oncology.
She also stressed the need for adequate investment, so that cancer treatment in Nigeria could rely more on medication and advanced therapies rather than surgery, which is the current dominant method.
The Managing Director of Africa Emerging Trustees, Felicia Sonubi, praised the initiative and urged more donors to support cancer research and knowledge.
She added that the company had put in place a board of trustees and financial management plan to sustain the foundation.
Speaking at the event, Bamigbetan said the foundation had secured an initial N10m to kick-start its operations.
He appealed to well-meaning individuals, corporate organisations, and government bodies to support the project.
“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 said.
Bamigbetan added that he had taken time to put the right structure in place and ensure competent individuals were available to drive the foundation’s mission effectively.
Other dignitaries at the event were the Provost, Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Gbenga Adefaye, General Manager, Lagos Traffic Radio, Tayo Akanle, former Nigerian Ambassador to Cuba, Segun Bamigbetan-Baju, Regional Director, United Bank of Africa, Leye Fadipe, Managing Director, Techtrust, Meka Adesina, Bola Awosika and President, Nigerian chapter of the Association of Political Consultants-Africa, Temitope Lakisokun.
Margret Oshinowo | August 1, 2025
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