Renowned oncologist and healthcare innovator, Dr. Omolola Salako, has officially introduced her much-anticipated book, "The GIFTS of Survivorship: You Are Bigger Than Cancer." This comprehensive guide is designed to support cancer patients, survivors, and their caregivers, offering them strength, clarity, and hope throughout their experiences.
The launch event, held in Lagos, convened key figures from policy, healthcare, development, and cancer advocacy circles, all united by a common goal to redefine the discourse surrounding cancer survivorship. Notable attendees included Dr. Claudina Sanwo-Olu, the First Lady of Lagos State, and Hon. Lola Akande, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Sweden, among other influential individuals from the medical and public service sectors.
Dr. Salako, who also heads Sebeccly Cancer Care, Oncopadi Technologies, and Pearl Oncology Specialist Hospital, shared that the book represents the culmination of twenty years of her professional practice, patient engagement, and personal introspection.
The book's core vision is to empower individuals to move beyond the trauma of a cancer diagnosis, transforming it into an opportunity for renewed purpose and existential understanding. She emphasized that the book seeks to illuminate the challenging path of cancer by making its message of hope freely accessible to millions, encouraging purpose-driven action, and fostering a supportive community where no one feels alone. The ultimate aim is to help survivors transcend their diagnosis and achieve their highest potential.
Explaining the book's structure, Dr. Salako detailed its ten-pillar framework across five key areas: spirituality, knowledge acquisition, support systems, navigating treatment, and achieving inner peace. The objective is to equip readers with the knowledge to not only survive but also to rediscover joy and purpose beyond their cancer journey. She stated:
"This book was born from the real stories and experiences of real people. It is a reminder that even in the most difficult moments, there is strength, there is hope, and there is life beyond cancer."
Osayi Alile, CEO of ACT Foundation and the event's Special Guest of Honour, spoke about her organization's sustained support for Dr. Salako's charitable efforts through Sebeccly Cancer Care. She highlighted ACT Foundation's long- standing partnership, driven by a shared commitment to enhancing access to cancer care and improving patient outcomes across Nigeria. Alile remarked:
"For us at ACT Foundation, we are proud to support the tireless work of Sebeccly Cancer Care in ensuring that survivors are not only treated, but also truly seen and heard. Survivors are not defined by what has happened to them, but by who they become. This is why we must continue to champion and invest in comprehensive cancer care."
Powerful testimonies from cancer survivors who have collaborated with Dr. Salako were central to the event. Their accounts of courage and transformation vividly illustrated the book's central theme: that cancer, while life- changing, does not define an individual. A particularly moving segment featured two survivors reading passages that deeply resonated with their personal experiences.
Oluwaseunfunmi, the first reader, shared an inspiring story of a "full-circle" journey. She had encountered the GIFTS framework in 2017 during counseling with Dr. Salako, and seeing those same principles compiled into a book for others was a testament to perseverance. Oluwatosin, a colon cancer survivor, captivated the audience with his narrative of overcoming adversity, underscoring the book's importance as a guide for anyone affected by cancer.
Dr. Kola Adesina, Group Managing Director of Sahara Power Group and Board Chairman of Pearl Oncology Specialist Hospital, served as the Chief Launcher. Represented by Dr. Adebayo, he commended Dr. Salako's dedication to revolutionizing cancer care, describing the book as a vital resource that bridges medical science with compassion and lived experiences. He commented:
"What Dr Salako has done with this book is to bridge science and humanity. It reinforces the urgent need for awareness, early screening, and a healthcare system that truly puts people at the centre of care."
The event also featured goodwill messages from several distinguished individuals, including Hon. Lola Akande, Ambassador to Sweden; Dr. Iziaqa Salako, the Honourable Minister of State for Education; Prof. Wasiu Lanre Adeyemo, Chief Medical Director of Lagos University Teaching Hospital; Prof. Ademola Oremosu, Provost of the College of Medicine, University of Lagos; Prof. Abubakar Bello, President of the Association of Radiation and Clinical Oncologists of Nigeria; Prof. Kehinde Okunade; Dr. Ayo Fred-Omojole; Yewande Ojengede; Retired Justice Olaide; and the author's father and Elder Statesman, Dr. Fred Omojole. Additionally, Dr. Ime Okon, President of the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria, Dr. Yemi Elesha Daodu, CEO of Cerba Lancet, and Dr. Babatunde Salako, CEO of Hadiel Health, delivered their support.
Through its combination of evidence-based advice, spiritual reflections, and personal stories, "The GIFTS of Survivorship" provides practical tools for managing treatment, addressing financial challenges, strengthening family connections, and cultivating inner peace. It offers the gift of hope and resilience to readers.
Copies of "The GIFTS of Survivorship: You are Bigger than Cancer" are available on Amazon, Selar, and at Pearl Oncology Specialist Hospital, Lekki. Interested individuals can secure their copies via dromololasalako.com/gifts- of-survivorship/.
As discussions around cancer care in Nigeria evolve, Dr. Salako's latest publication serves as both a practical manual and a compelling call to action. It reminds patients, caregivers, and society at large that survivorship entails not just survival, but also living a full and purposeful life. This message is further underscored by her recent recognition as one of the 100 Most Influential CEOs in Oncology globally for 2025, distinguishing her as the sole Nigerian on the list.
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