The Nanahfatimah Amele Bamigbetan Oncology Foundation, NABOF was officially launched on Monday at the Lagos State College of Medicine, Ikeja, with a mission to combat the growing burden of cancer in Nigeria through research, education, and policy engagement.
The foundation, established in memory of the late wife of former Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Hon. Kehinde Bamigbetan, aims to provide support for oncology students, fund groundbreaking cancer research, and foster collaborations between scientists and policymakers.
Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Omolara Fatiregun, a renowned clinical oncologist, unveiled the foundation, describing it as a vital platform to bridge the gap between medical science and policy formulation in the fight against cancer.
“There is a need to bring policymakers and scientists together. This vision is a call to action,” Fatiregun stated. “We urge donors and institutions to invest in this initiative to transform the oncology landscape in Nigeria.”
She added that the foundation will partner with top academic institutions both locally and internationally to provide scholarships and fund research for medical students, particularly in the field of oncology.
Dr. Fatiregun emphasized that with adequate investment, cancer treatment in Nigeria could soon rely more on medication and advanced therapies rather than surgery, which remains the dominant method today.
Managing Director of Africa Emerging Trustees, the managers of the foundation, Mrs.Felicia Sonubi praised the initiative and urged more donors to support cancer research and knowledge.
She said the company has put in place a board of trustees and financial management plan to sustain the foundation.
Speaking during the event, Hon. Kehinde Bamigbetan disclosed that the foundation has secured an initial N10 million 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’s 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.
The event’s emotional highlight was the screening of a montage celebrating the life and legacy of the late Nanafatimah Amele Bamigbetan.
Among dignitaries were the Provost, Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Mr.Gbenga Adefaye, General Manager, Lagos Traffic Radio, Mr. Tayo Akanle, former Ambassador to Cuba, Sen Segun Bamigbetan-Baju, Mr. Leye Fadipe, Regional Director, United Bank of Africa, Managing Director , Techtrust, Mr.Meka Adesina, Dr.Bola Awosika and president, Nigerian Chapter of the Association of Political Consultants-Africa, Temitope Lakisokun.
