Gbenga Ilemobayo
A year after the passing of his wife, Mr. Leo Adejoro, a prostate cancer survivor and pastor, has turned personal grief into public advocacy by convening a cancer awareness and free medical outreach programme themed: ‘From Remembrance to Responsibility’
The event, held at the Multipurpose Hall of Rhema Christian Church, Sango, Ogun State, was organised in honour of the late Kehinde Mufuliat Kayode Adejoro, a Deputy Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps
Speaking at the programme, Adejoro said the outreach was inspired by his survival from prostate cancer through early detection.
“Remembrance must lead to responsibility. My survival and my wife’s passing taught me that awareness, early screening and compassion can save lives and preserve families,” he said.
He noted that many deaths from breast and prostate cancer occur because cases are detected late, stressing that timely screening significantly improves survival outcomes.
“These cancers are not a death sentence. With early checks and proper care, many lives can be saved. That is why this outreach matters,” he added.
Adejoro also paid tribute to his late wife, describing her as a woman of compassion and service, fondly known as ‘Iya Gbogbo’ for treating everyone like family.
“Even while she was ill, she was still helping others. Marking her one-year remembrance by saving lives reflects how she lived,” he said.
The programme featured expert presentations on the medical, emotional and social dimensions of cancer. Prof. Anthonia Sowunmi, Nigeria’s first female Professor of Radiation Oncology, spoke on breast cancer, emphasizing early detection.
Dr. Ebenezer Nkom, Chief Consultant and Managing Director, Prince Specialist Clinic, Abeokuta, addressed prostate cancer, warning that late presentation remains a major cause of avoidable deaths among men.
Mental health concerns related to cancer were discussed by Dr. Grace Etsiye, Director, Gracelyn Counselling Services, while the guest speaker, Dr. Wole Kukoyi, Managing Director, AceMedicare Clinics, called for stronger collaboration between healthcare providers, faith institutions and community organizations.
An NGO, the African Behavioral Research Centre, participated, highlighting the role of behavioural change in cancer prevention. Also present was Dennis Olise, an advocate and prostate cancer survivor, who bore witness to the importance of early detection.
Olise said his condition was identified early through routine screening, enabling timely medical intervention and continued quality living. “Early detection made the difference for me. Screening saves lives,” he said.
The spiritual aspect of the event featured the Archbishop of Rhema Christian Church, Taiwo Akinola, and his wife, Ireti Akinola, while the Provost of the church, Tofunmi Opaleye, delivered a sermon on compassion and communal responsibility.
As part of the outreach, over 200 participants — about 100 men and 100 women — received free prostate cancer (PSA) and breast cancer screenings. Participants described the event as a blend of medical education, faith and lived experience. Adejoro said the initiative would be sustained annually to promote routine screening and community engagement.
“Cancer awareness must move beyond remembrance to responsibility, early action and care for one another,” he declared.
