From Prof. Wole Soyinka To Farooq Oreagba: Five Nigerians Who Survived Cancer

Abisola Kola-Daisi, the eldest daughter of the late Senator Abiola Ajimobi, former Governor of Oyo State, passed away at the age of 42.

Known as Bisola, she reportedly died early on Thursday after a battle with cancer. She passed away in the United Kingdom, leaving behind her husband, Kolapo Kola-Daisi, and their three children.

At the time of her death, Bisola was serving as a Special Adviser to Atiku Bagudu, Nigeria’s Minister of Budget and Planning. She was also deeply involved in her family’s businesses and owned the luxury store, Florence H Boutique.

Bolaji Tunji, the Special Adviser to her late father, confirmed the news of her passing, stating, “Yes. It has been confirmed.” This marks another tragic loss for the Ajimobi family, as Bisola’s father, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, passed away in June 2020 at the age of 70.

What You Need to Know About Cancer

Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. These abnormal cells, known as cancer cells, malignant cells, or tumor cells, can invade normal tissues. Many cancers are named after the tissue from which they originated (e.g., breast cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer).

Cancer affects not only humans but also animals and other living organisms. Normally, damaged or altered cells die off, but if they remain alive and continue to grow uncontrollably, they can develop into cancer.

Types of Cancer

There are over 100 types of cancer, classified based on their origin and the tissue they affect. These classifications include:

Solid cancers: The most common form, comprising 80% to 90% of cases. These include carcinomas (affecting epithelial tissue like the skin, breast, colon, and lungs) and sarcomas (affecting bone and connective tissue).

Blood cancers: These cancers originate in blood cells or the lymphatic system, such as leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma.

Mixed cancers: These involve two or more classifications or subtypes, such as carcinosarcoma and adenosquamous carcinoma.

The most common cancers among different groups include:
Men: Prostate, lung, and colorectal cancer
Women: Breast, lung, and colorectal cancer
Children: Leukemia, brain tumors, and lymphoma

Symptoms of Cancer

The symptoms of cancer vary depending on the type, location, and spread of the cancer. For instance, breast cancer might manifest as a lump or nipple discharge, while metastatic breast cancer could cause pain (if spread to the bones), fatigue (if spread to the lungs), or seizures (if spread to the brain). Some people may not show symptoms until the cancer is advanced.

General cancer symptoms may include:

• Fatigue
• Nighttime fever
• Loss of appetite
• Night sweats
• Persistent pain
• Changes in the skin, especially moles that alter in shape or size, or new moles
• Unexplained weight loss

Certain cancers may also produce organ-specific symptoms, such as:

• Blood in urine or stool
• Changes in skin moles
• Coughing up blood
• New lumps or bumps

These symptoms don’t necessarily indicate cancer but warrant medical attention.

5 Nigerians Who Survived Cancer

Banky W – Olubankole Wellington

Olubankole Wellington, known as Banky W, is a Nigerian-American singer, rapper, actor, entrepreneur, and politician. Diagnosed with skin cancer in 2007, Banky W has had four surgeries to fight the disease. In May 2024, he shared his success after his fourth surgery on Instagram. He is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Policy at Georgetown University.

Prof. Wole Soyinka

Nobel Prize-winning playwright, Prof. Wole Soyinka, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2014 during a routine checkup. In an interview with media personality Chude, he shared the challenges of his treatment, particularly the need to drink gallons of water. He used proton therapy to treat his condition, and he later told his wife they would face the fight together.

Farooq Oreagba

Farooq Oreagba, a British-educated financial services executive, was diagnosed with bone marrow cancer in February 2014. He has since been involved in numerous cancer awareness campaigns. In an interview with Arise TV, Oreagba reflected on how his diagnosis reshaped his life and priorities, and he remains a prominent advocate for cancer treatment and prevention.

Temitope Osoba

Nollywood actress Temitope Osoba opened up about her battle with breast cancer in November 2024. After her initial surgery, she sought financial support to continue her treatment. In an emotional interview with BBC News Yoruba, she shared her fears and challenges, expressing gratitude for the help she received from friends and colleagues.

Bracket – Nwachukwu Ozioko

Nwachukwu Ozioko, known as Vast of the music duo Bracket, was diagnosed with lymphoma (blood cancer) in February 2013. After experiencing severe pain, headaches, and weight loss, he sought treatment in the UK. Following several rounds of chemotherapy, he was declared cancer-free after seven months. In 2016, Vast and his partner, Smash, established the Bracket Foundation to raise funds for cancer patients in Nigeria, especially those unable to afford treatment abroad.