Widowhood should not translate into being destitute” — Omodele Oyekan
The Oyenike Oyekan Foundation has marked its 5th anniversary with a series of events aimed at empowering widows, promoting health awareness, and continuing its advocacy for early cancer detection and treatment.
The week-long celebration, themed “Five Years of Touching Lives,” began on Friday, November 7, 2020, with a widow health education and empowerment programme at the foundation’s headquarters in Ibadan. The event was anchored by Omodele Ernestina Oyekan, mother of the late Oyenike Oyekan, in whose honour the foundation was established.
Speaking to a hall filled with widows, family members, board members, and the media, Oyekan urged widows to remain strong and hopeful despite life’s challenges.
“Being a widow should not be a window to become a destitute or live a miserable life,” she said, encouraging women to maintain a healthy lifestyle and embrace hope even in difficult times.
At the event, dozens of widows received cash gifts and food items as part of the empowerment drive, reinforcing the foundation’s commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable women.
Family, Board Members Pay Tribute at Founder’s Graveside
The anniversary continued on Saturday, November 8, 2020, with a solemn graveside visit to honour the late Oyenike Oyekan, the foundation’s inspiration.
The delegation included Moyosoreoluwa Ibitoye, Ibitoye, Pharmacists Oyedapo Idowu and Tosin Ishol (members of the foundation’s Board of Trustees), as well as Management Consultant Nelson Ekujum,Precious Fasiku, and other team members.
Clerics led by Reverend Dada Ezekiel Olabisi,Pastor Oluokun and Pastor Paul Ogundapo conducted prayers for the repose of the late Oyenike Oyekan’s soul, as well as for divine guidance to sustain her legacy of compassion and service.
Free Cancer Screening and Health Talk Draws Hundreds
Later that day, activities shifted to the foundation’s Bodija office for a free prostate and breast cancer screening and a public health talk on cancer awareness.
The event brought together family members, board members, medical experts, and community representatives. Present were officials from the Department of Radiation Oncology, University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, led by Dr. (Mrs.) Olabisi Ojo and Dr. Ehiedu Chiamaka, as well as Matron Ayeade Olufunke of Oranyan Primary Health Centre and Hogan Janet, Assistant Head of Ajibode PHC.
Representatives from the Oyo State Ministry of Health, the Community Development Councils (CDCs), and members of the media also attended.
Early Detection Can Make All the Difference’
In his address, Pharmacist Tosin Ishola, a board member of the foundation, recounted the organisation’s beginnings following the painful loss of Oyenike Oyekanmaja, whose cancer went undetected until it was too late.
“Her passing became a reminder that early detection can make all the difference,” Ishola said.
“The Oyenike Oyekan Foundation was founded to raise awareness about cancer, promote early screening, and support those affected by the disease. The journey so far has been tough, rough, and exciting, but with the support of our family, board members, sponsors, and the media, we remain committed to our mission of touching lives.”
Delivering the keynote lecture, Dr. Ehiedu Chiamaka of UCH, Ibadan, highlighted prostate, cervical, and breast cancers as the most common forms affecting Nigerians.
“Cancer is an abnormal growth of blood cells, and early detection through screening is key,” she explained. “At certain stages of life, both men and women are at risk for men, from age 50 and above, prostate cancer is real; for women, breast and cervical cancers remain leading threats. Regular screening, not visits to religious homes, is what saves lives.”
Foundation Promises to Deepen Outreach and Support
Declaring the free screening exercise open, Pharmacist Oyedapo Idowu, another board member, expressed gratitude to God for the foundation’s journey over the last five years.
“We thank God for sustaining this vision and for everyone who has contributed to keeping the flag flying. We promise to raise the bar in touching lives in the years ahead,” he said.
The anniversary activities will continue on Monday, November 10, 2020, with a charity outreach to selected orphanages across Oyo State, where the foundation will donate cash and gift items to children in need.
About the Oyenike Oyekan Foundation
Founded in memory of Oyenike Oyekanmaja, who lost her life to cancer, the Oyenike Oyekan Foundation is dedicated to raising awareness about cancer prevention, promoting early screening, and empowering widows and vulnerable groups.
Over the past five years, the foundation has reached hundreds of beneficiaries through medical outreach programmes, empowerment initiatives, and community development projects aimed at improving health and livelihoods.
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