Farouq Oreagba uses World Cancer Day to share inspiring story of survival

By Folashade Olorunfemi –

Ogun State cultural ambassador and fashion icon, Farouq Oreagba, fondly called “Mr Steeze,” used World Cancer Day to share his personal journey with cancer, urging Nigerians to prioritise their health.

Oreagba revealed that a routine scan in 2014 changed his life after it showed he had cancer. The diagnosis confirmed stage-one multiple myeloma, a form of cancer that attacks plasma cells in the bone marrow.

He added that there was no known family history of cancer at the time, and his youngest child was only two years old. The discovery, he said, prompted him to make firm decisions about his health.

The business tycoon disclosed that he began chemotherapy and underwent a stem cell transplant in August 2014. Several months later, he was declared in complete remission, a date he described as symbolic and unforgettable.

Despite achieving remission, Mr Farouq continued chemotherapy for seven more years, completing a total of eight years of cancer treatment. Today, he goes for routine quarterly checkups and lives with gratitude and purpose.

Mr Farouq gained prominence for his fashion inspiration and charisma at the 2024/2025 Ojude Oba Festival in Ijebu Ode, earning the nickname “Mr Steeze.” He now uses his story to raise awareness about cancer and its impact.

He is also the Chief Executive Officer of NG Clearing Limited, a key player in Nigeria’s financial sector.

A global statistic released earlier this week by the World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that four in every ten new cancer cases worldwide could be prevented through behavioural changes, stronger public policies, and effective public health action.