Farooq Oreagba's Journey from Diagnosis to Remission
Over the course of his life and career, Farooq Oreagba has demonstrated unwavering resilience and determination. In a candid interview with ARISE NEWS, the Managing Director of NG Clearing Limited opened up about his personal battle with multiple myeloma, a cancer that has shaped his outlook on life and led him to new endeavors.
Oreagba's journey began in February 2014, a month that marked the start of his arduous fight against an incurable disease. The diagnosis of multiple myeloma, a cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow, was a devastating blow. Yet, Oreagba did not succumb to despair. Instead, he confronted it head-on, undergoing a bone marrow transplant just six months later, in August 2014. This pivotal procedure played a significant role in achieving his current state of remission.
Since then, Oreagba has been on a daily regimen of chemotherapy – a grueling routine that he has adhered to diligently for more than eight years. Despite the relentless treatment sessions, he has managed to maintain a semblance of normalcy in his professional and personal life. His experience is a testament to the human spirit's capacity to endure and thrive even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.
The Essential Role of Family and Friends
Farooq Oreagba's narrative extends beyond medical interventions and physical healing. His journey has been profoundly influenced by the unwavering support of his family and close friends. According to Oreagba, his diagnosis served as a litmus test for his social circle, revealing the true strength of his relationships. It’s often said that tough times reveal true friends, and this has held particularly true in Oreagba's case.
In the midst of his battle, he experienced a significant shrinkage in his social environment. While this could be seen as a loss, Oreagba perceives it as a refining process that highlighted the importance of genuine connections. The emotional and psychological support from his closest relations became the pillars upon which he built his resiliency, providing comfort and motivation in his darkest hours.
Turning Adversity into Advocacy
Driven by a deep sense of empathy and purpose, Oreagba has channeled his experience into a mission of support and advocacy for other cancer patients. He has taken on the role of a counselor, offering a comforting presence and practical advice to those embarking on similar journeys. In doing so, he has found a new sense of fulfillment and a rewarding way to give back to the community.
Moreover, Oreagba’s commitment to raising awareness about cancer extends to his active participation in marathons dedicated to fundraising for cancer charities. These events not only serve as physical challenges but also represent his personal victory over adversity and his continuous fight to champion the cause. Through these efforts, Oreagba aims to make a tangible difference, fueling research and support initiatives that could one day lead to better treatments and, hopefully, a cure.
The Cultural Impact of the Ojude Oba Festival
Beyond his personal health battle, Farooq Oreagba holds a deep appreciation for Nigerian culture, particularly the Ojude Oba Festival. This significant cultural event is more than a mere celebration; it is a symbol of unity, heritage, and economic potential. Oreagba believes that with proper management, the Ojude Oba Festival can serve as a major economic booster for Nigeria.
The festival, which attracts thousands of attendees from across the country and beyond, showcases Nigeria's rich traditions and cultural diversity. It offers a unique opportunity for local businesses to thrive and for international visitors to experience the vibrant cultural tapestry of the nation. Oreagba envisions a strategic approach to the festival’s organization that maximizes its economic benefits, providing a boost to local commerce and tourism.
Life after Cancer: New Beginnings and Ongoing Challenges
At 58, Farooq Oreagba continues to prioritize his work in the financial services sector, blending his professional expertise with his mission to spread awareness about cancer. The amalgamation of his roles as a business leader and advocate positions him as a figure of inspiration and influence.
In his daily life, Oreagba lives with a renewed sense of gratitude, appreciating each day and the opportunities it presents. His relentless fight against multiple myeloma has instilled in him a deeper appreciation for life’s simple pleasures and the importance of being a positive force in the world.
While he remains in remission, the shadow of cancer is a constant reminder of the fragility of life. Nevertheless, Farooq Oreagba continues to confront it with courage and optimism, setting an example for others to follow.
Conclusion
Farooq Oreagba’s story is more than a testament to individual resilience; it is a narrative of how adversity can be transformed into a powerful vehicle for change and advocacy. His journey from a cancer diagnosis to becoming a beacon of support for others facing similar battles highlights the profound impact of personal experiences on community efforts. Oreagba’s dedication to raising cancer awareness, combined with his professional endeavors, underscores the multifaceted approach needed to tackle such a pervasive issue.
Through his work, both in financial services and in the cancer support community, Oreagba exemplifies how one person’s struggle can lead to broad-reaching positive outcomes. His ongoing commitment to participating in marathons for cancer charities, counseling others, and promoting cultural events like the Ojude Oba Festival encapsulates a life lived with purpose and sincere dedication to making a difference.
Vijay Paul
June 26, 2024 AT 13:18Farooq’s story is a masterclass in grace under pressure. The discipline to stick with chemotherapy for over eight years while maintaining professional excellence speaks volumes about character. It’s rare to see someone turn personal suffering into such a structured, impactful mission - counseling others, running marathons, championing cultural heritage. He didn’t just survive; he rebuilt his purpose from the ground up.
RUPESH BUKE
June 28, 2024 AT 02:15What stands out is how he let the cancer filter his relationships. Not everyone can handle that kind of weight. He didn’t complain about the people who left - he just stopped expecting them to be there. That’s wisdom. And the Ojude Oba mention? Perfect. Culture isn’t just tradition it’s survival. He’s tying healing to heritage and that’s powerful.
Chirag Kamra
June 29, 2024 AT 09:56bro this man is a LEGEND. like imagine getting diagnosed with a death sentence and then going full superhero mode - chemo daily, running marathons, helping others, AND still running a financial firm??? no cap. he’s not just surviving he’s out here building monuments outta pain. the way he talks about family and friends? pure gold. some people ghost you when you get sick but his real ones stayed? that’s the real win. also ojude oba?? YES. we need more of this energy in nigeria. he’s not just a survivor he’s a vibe.
Ramesh Velusamy
June 29, 2024 AT 10:59Listen if you think cancer is just a medical issue you’re missing the whole point. Farooq turned his diagnosis into a movement. That’s not luck that’s strategy. He didn’t wait for someone else to fix things he became the fix. Counseling others? That’s not charity that’s leadership. Running marathons for charity? That’s not exercise that’s declaration. And the cultural angle? Genius. You don’t just heal your body you heal your community. If you’re sitting around waiting for inspiration go read this again. He didn’t ask for permission to be great he just did it.
Sushil Kallur
June 29, 2024 AT 20:47His quiet strength is what moves me most. No grandstanding, no social media theatrics - just steady presence. The way he speaks of the Ojude Oba Festival feels like reverence, not promotion. He understands that culture is the soil where resilience grows. And his loyalty to those who stayed? That’s not gratitude - it’s sacred. He carries his pain gently, like a lantern, not a weapon. In a world that screams for attention, his silence speaks louder.