The Okapi Children Cancer Foundation has donated over ₦39.5 million to selected hospitals in the Federal Capital Territory to improve access to quality healthcare for underprivileged children battling cancer.
The founder, Ms. Kemi Adekanye, announced this during the foundation’s 2025/2026 fund presentation held on Wednesday in Abuja.
The benefiting hospitals include the National Hospital Abuja, Federal Medical Centre Jabi, and the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, UATH, Gwagwalada.
Adekanye explained that the donated funds would cover medical expenses such as chemotherapy, radiology, and other essential treatments for children with cancer.
“Cancer treatment is very expensive, and without the financial support of well-meaning Nigerians, more children may abandon treatment or lose their lives,” she said.
According to her, the foundation raised ₦39.5 million, $820, and €20 during its 2025 fundraising event. Of this, 70% will go directly to children’s treatment, while 30% will fund other interventions, including education scholarships, psychological support, capacity building, and economic empowerment for parents.
She disclosed that the National Hospital would receive ₦11,076,916, while FMC Jabi and UATH would each get ₦8,307,687.
“For over nine years, OkapiCCF has supported children and families battling cancer, helped survivors continue their education, and provided hope for many,” Adekanye added.
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She also provided a breakdown of the foundation’s fundraising growth over the years, from ₦765,000 in 2017 to ₦39.5 million in 2025, highlighting steady progress in community support and donor engagement.
Adekanye appealed to the government to subsidise cancer treatment costs, noting that financial barriers remain a major cause of treatment abandonment and child mortality.
Representing the Federal Medical Centre, Jabi, Dr. Ifeoma Ezeukwu, Head of Pediatric Hemato-Oncology, said the support would greatly ease the financial and emotional strain on affected families.
“Your generosity and consistent partnership have brought hope and relief to our patients and their families,” Ezeukwu said.
Similarly, Dr. Uduak Offiong, a Paediatrician at UATH, and several beneficiaries’ families expressed deep gratitude to the foundation.
One of them, Mrs. Linda Joseph, mother of a five-year-old leukemia survivor, recounted how OkapiCCF’s support helped her daughter complete treatment after her husband abandoned the family.
Another parent, Mrs. Francesca Austin, urged families to seek professional medical care instead of relying on traditional remedies that could endanger children’s lives.
The event also featured an award presentation to notable partners and volunteers, including Jabi Lake Mall, The Elevation Church, Abuja Lions Club, Silver Cross Hospital Foundation, and Nest of Hope Foundation, among others.
