The Oyenike Oyekan Foundation has commemorated its sixth anniversary by organising free prostate cancer screening and breast examinations for more than 100 residents of Ibadan, Oyo State.

The health outreach, held on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at the foundation’s headquarters in Bodija, Ibadan, was organised in honour of late Ms Oyenike Oyekan, who died after battling cancer.

The event attracted residents, market men and women, religious and community leaders, healthcare professionals, members of the press and other stakeholders.

Among those present were members of the foundation’s board, including Otunba Oyedapo Idowu and Pharmacist Tosin Isola; foundation staff members, Nelson Ekujumi and Precious Fasiku; and Mrs Christiana Adedeji, Head of the Non-Communicable Diseases Desk at the Oyo State Ministry of Health, alongside members of her team.

Also in attendance was the Chief Imam of Ibadan North Local Government, Alhaji Sheik Busairi.

In his welcome address, Otunba Idowu thanked participants for responding to the foundation’s invitation and joining in celebrating six years of humanitarian service and community impact.

He said the anniversary was particularly significant as it honoured the memory of Oyekan, who was also a cancer victim.

Idowu urged residents to prioritise their health by seeking medical attention whenever they experience health challenges, warning against the dangers of self-medication.

Delivering a presentation on breast and prostate cancer, Mrs Adedeji emphasised the importance of early detection, noting that cancer is treatable and, in many cases, curable when discovered early.

She encouraged women aged 18 and above to practise regular breast self-examination, preferably three to five days after their menstrual period, and educated participants on the correct procedures and warning signs to watch out for.

On prostate cancer, Adedeji identified men aged 50 and above as being at increased risk and urged them to undergo regular medical checks.

She also advised participants to adopt healthier lifestyles, including regular exercise, moderation in dietary choices and avoiding alcohol and drug abuse, as part of efforts to reduce cancer risks.

The health expert cautioned against the misconception that cancer should be treated primarily through spiritual intervention, stressing that suspected symptoms require prompt medical attention.

She specifically advised women to seek medical evaluation if they notice changes in breast size, skin colour, or unusual lumps in or around the breast.

Following the sensitisation session, participants were separated into male and female groups for the screening exercises. Qualified medical personnel subsequently conducted prostate screenings for men and breast examinations for women.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Imam of Ibadan North Local Government, Alhaji Sheik Busairi, commended the foundation for bringing essential healthcare services closer to residents.

He said the initiative would help more people understand their health status and encouraged other non-governmental organisations to emulate the foundation’s intervention.

Busairi noted that government alone could not shoulder the responsibility of meeting all the healthcare needs of citizens, stressing the importance of partnerships with private organisations and other stakeholders in saving lives.

The sixth anniversary outreach formed part of the Oyenike Oyekan Foundation’s continuing commitment to humanitarian service, health awareness and community development, while keeping alive the memory of its late namesake.