News

Ex-NBA President Akpata: I battled cancer for years, had surgeries

The former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Olumide Akpata, says he was diagnosed with stage-three cancer about 10 years ago and had multiple surgeries.

Akpata, however, said he was declared cancer-free in the past five years.

The former NBA President made the disclosure during his 51st birthday celebration in Benin, the Edo State capital, on Sunday, October 8, 2023.

The lawyer, who is a governorship aspirant on the platform of the Labour Party (LP) in Edo State, stated that the celebration was not only to mark his birthday but also to thank God for his life over the years.

Akpata added that he joined the Labour Party to win the governorship ticket as well as win the 2024 gubernatorial election in Edo State.

READ ALSO: Ex-NBA President Akpata: Why I joined Edo guber race under LP

“You may have noticed me dancing around the hall. I am dancing with thanksgiving because I turned 51 years old today. It is a miracle that I am still standing,” the ex-NBA President said.

He further disclosed that he lost his mother at the age of 19 when he was writing his final examinations as a law student at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) in Edo State.

Akpata stated that his mother died before the age of 49, noting that if not for God’s blessings and mercies upon his life, his stories would have been different.

He added: “The loss of a mother at that critical stage in one’s life can just turn things around but God was there and He has been there in all these 31 years till date.

“I became a lawyer, I started my legal career, I set up a law firm in conjunction with my elder brother, and ultimately I became the President of the NBA.

“So you understand why I am excited, why I am happy, why I am grateful to God and that is why I have gathered friends and family members here to celebrate with me.”

Speaking further on his aspiration, Akpata said the Labour Party had received him warmly into the party, adding that the party would win the forthcoming governorship election in Edo State.

Dignitaries present at the event included the deputy governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu; the Secretary to State Government, Osarodion Ogie; and the Edo State Commissioner for Information, Chris Nehikhare, among others.

The Star

Segun Ojo

Recent Posts

How unemployment pushed me into content creation — Sagacious Prof

A Nigerian graduate and content creator known as Sagacious Prof, has shared how unemployment after…

1 hour ago

How troops killed ISIS commander in Lake Chad — DHQ

The Defence Headquarters has confirmed the killing of a senior ISIS commander, Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, in…

2 hours ago

Obi condemns Tinubu’s foreign visit, compares with Trump’s China trip

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has criticised what he described as Nigeria’s “ceremonial…

2 hours ago

LAWMA clears encroachment on Lagos-Badagry Expressway

The Lagos State Waste Management Authority has cleared illegal structures and activities along the Alaba…

2 hours ago

Isaac Fayose loses wife

Isaac Fayose has announced the death of his wife, drawing an outpouring of condolences from…

2 hours ago

Ogun Gateway Airport gets NCAA approval for 2026 Hajj flights

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has granted full regulatory approval to Gateway International Airport in…

3 hours ago

This website uses cookies.