Dr. Ajibike Ayomide Orekoya is a Consultant Clinical and Radiation Oncologist whose career has been defined by an unwavering commitment to improving cancer care through clinical service, research, education and health systems strengthening in Nigeria. She is skilled in treating a wide range of cancers using external beam radiotherapy, brachytherapy as well as chemotherapeutic and targeted therapies.

She is passionate about expanding access to quality, patient-centred oncology services and believes that early diagnosis, multidisciplinary care, and affordable treatment are essential to improving cancer outcomes and ensuring that every patient has the opportunity to complete potentially life-saving therapy. She believes that strengthening cancer care is not only about treating disease but also about building systems that ensure every patient, regardless of financial circumstances, has access to timely, high-quality, and compassionate care.

Driven by this vision, Dr. Orekoya has played a pivotal role in the establishment and development of the Cancer Centre at the Federal Medical Centre, Ebute-Metta, Lagos, where she currently serves as the pioneer Director. When the Centre commenced operations in November 2021, it cared for just three patients. Today, it has grown into a thriving oncology programme providing specialist care for more than one hundred patients each week. Working closely with hospital management and a dedicated multidisciplinary team, she has helped to expand specialist cancer services, develop clinical protocols, foster multidisciplinary collaboration, and establish patient-centred systems of care.

Dr. Orekoya acknowledges that these achievements have been possible through the unwavering support, shared vision, and collaborative efforts of the past and present Management of Federal Medical Centre, Ebute-Metta, alongside the dedication of her multidisciplinary colleagues and the entire oncology team. She firmly believes that sustainable improvements in cancer care are built through teamwork, visionary leadership, and strong institutional commitment.

With a vision of developing a comprehensive cancer centre, Dr. Orekoya continues to work towards creating a facility where patients can access the full spectrum of cancer diagnosis and treatment under one roof at an affordable cost. She has championed efforts towards establishing an immunohistochemistry laboratory to enhance diagnostic accuracy and support precision oncology within her institution. Through the Centre’s participation in the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and the National Cancer Access Partnership (NCAP) programmes, eligible patients are able to access selected targeted therapies and high-quality anticancer medicines at substantially reduced costs, helping to lessen the financial burden of cancer treatment and improve access to life-saving care.

Beyond clinical practice, Dr. Orekoya is a dedicated clinical researcher with special interests in breast, cervical, prostate, and other solid malignancies, molecular oncology, cancer epidemiology, survivorship, and health systems research. She has authored and co-authored several peer-reviewed scientific publications and presented her work at national and international scientific meetings, contributing to the growing body of evidence aimed at improving cancer care in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa.

Dr. Orekoya obtained her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) degree from Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State. She completed her National Youth Service at the Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic Staff Clinic in Zaria, Kaduna State, before undertaking specialist residency training in Radiation and Clinical Oncology at the University College Hospital, Ibadan. She subsequently obtained her specialist qualification from the Faculty of Radiology, West African College of Surgeons.

She is actively involved in advancing academic oncology and scientific scholarship. As the Managing Editor of the Nigerian Journal of Oncology, the official scientific journal of the Association of Radiation and Clinical Oncologists of Nigeria (ARCON), she contributes to promoting high-quality scientific publishing and strengthening oncology research within Nigeria. She also serves on national oncology scientific committees, supporting the planning and scientific content of major oncology conferences and professional meetings.

Committed to lifelong learning and professional development, Dr. Orekoya has participated in executive healthcare leadership and research training programmes designed to strengthen leadership, research capacity, and cancer service delivery. She is an alumna of the Health Management Programme of the Enterprise Development Centre, Lagos Business School, and has completed leadership and management training through the University of Washington. These experiences have broadened her perspective on comprehensive cancer control and reinforced her commitment to building sustainable oncology services in resource-constrained settings. She currently serves as the Treasurer of the Association of Radiation and Clinical Oncologists of Nigeria (ARCON).

Dr. Orekoya is passionate about mentoring the next generation of healthcare professionals and actively supports initiatives that promote multidisciplinary cancer care, research, patient navigation, survivorship, palliative care, and cancer awareness. She has participated in numerous scientific conferences as both a presenter and facilitator and continues to contribute to national discussions on improving cancer care delivery in Nigeria.

Known for her diligence, compassion, and unwavering commitment to service, Dr. Orekoya combines clinical excellence with a deep interest in healthcare innovation and systems improvement. Her vision is to contribute to the development of comprehensive cancer centres that integrate prevention, diagnosis, treatment, research, education, rehabilitation, and survivorship while ensuring that every patient has access to high-quality cancer care regardless of circumstance.

Beyond her professional responsibilities, Dr. Orekoya is a devoted wife and mother. She is married to Mr. Ademola Odunuga, and together they are blessed with two children. She remains deeply grateful for the unwavering love, support, and encouragement of her parents, Engr. Oreoluwa Orekoya and Mrs. Tokunbo Orekoya, whose guidance and belief in her have been a constant source of strength throughout her personal and professional journey.

It is in recognition of her  Sterling Accomplishments in Human Medicine (Oncology and Cancer Care) that Dr. Ajibike Ayomide Orekoya is deemed worthy to be conferred with the Woman of Merit Gold Award.