Multi-city awareness walk energises Akanimo Cancer Foundation
By Godwin Okondo
THE echoes of the recent Charity Photo Exhibition at Terra Kulture Gallery, Lagos where a stirring display of photographs by the late child prodigy, Akanimo Shayne Ekanem still ring long after, drawing attention to the urgent need for childhood cancer awareness and support. Although a one-day show, the December 14, 2024 event—also held in Ibadan—marked the 5th year ‘Angelversary’ of Akanimo’s passing and showcased 20 captivating images that revealed a prodigious young artist far beyond his years. The dual-continent, multi-city exhibitions were organized by the Akanimo Cancer Foundation in memory of the 12-year-old lad who succumb to cancer but left behind an enduring legacy through his art.
Born in Ibadan, Akanimo displayed remarkable creativity and curiosity. At just 10 years old, he painted, drew, composed music and captured the world through his camera lens. His parents say cancer showed its ugly face at this tender age, and two years later, on Christmas Day, he was gone. Yet his spirit lingers in every photograph, and his story continues to inspire a global network of volunteers—from Nigeria to South Carolina, from Port Harcourt to New York—who spread awareness and hope through the Akanimo Cancer Foundation.
Proceeds from the Charity Photo Exhibition go toward funding treatment for children battling cancer in hospitals such as UCH in Ibadan, LUTH in Lagos, UUTH in Uyo, UPTH in Port Harcourt, the National Hospital in Abuja, and other centres across Nigeria. According to the foundation management, just one purchase of Akanimo’s artwork could provide life-saving support for a child, offering a tomorrow filled with dreams and possibility. The impact of the photo exhibition underscores the mission of the Akanimo Cancer Foundation, which seeks to support families affected by childhood cancer, offer bereavement care, and fund research into better treatments and cures. Although the Terra Kulture show ended last December, the foundation’s drive to save lives continues.
And on Saturday, February 15, 2025, a series of Childhood Cancer Awareness Walks were held simultaneously across Nigeria. In Abuja, participants gathered at Jabi Park from 7:00am to 10:00am, while in Lagos, the walk set off from the General Hospital, Odan, Lagos Island, during the same hours. Ibadan’s route spanned Mokola Oja to Sabo, Uyo’s route covered Aka Road Plaza to Unity Park (Cenotaph), Port Harcourt’s walk began at 8:00am from Eagle Avenue School through Land Okra Market to Eze Ohã Ebe Palace, Eleme Junction, and in Kano, participants walked from State Road through Silver Jubilee Roundabout to the Emir’s Palace. Each location aimed to mobilize the public in the fight against childhood cancer, encourage early hospital visits and demystify the disease’s hold on young lives.
Walk for Akanimo Cancer Foundation… in Lagos
The foundation urges communities to come together in memory of Akanimo and countless other children lost too soon. It called on everyone to attend the walks, spread the word, and donate to help cover the expensive treatments that keep many families from accessing proper care. Through these efforts, the Akanimo Cancer Foundation hopes to ensure that fewer parents experience the grief Akanimo’s family endured. Donations can be made via Zenith Bank Account 1229449832 (Naira) or 5074442550 (USD).
Though shutters on Akanimo’s vibrant lens have been drawn shut, his mission continues to resonate, framing a future where children battling cancer can find hope, resilience and the care they desperately need. More information is available at www.akanimocancerfoundation.org.
