The Nigeria Team
Prof. Olusegun Isaac Alatise
Prof. Olusegun Isaac Alatise has been a Professor of Surgery at the Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University and a Consultant General Surgeon at the OAU Teaching Hospital. His area of interest is in Surgical Oncology and Gastroenterology. He had his Surgical Oncology training at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, USA. He has also had other training fellowships in Endoscopy and Colorectal Surgery sponsored by the World Gastroenterology Organization, African Middle East Association of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, and the International Council of Coloproctology. He has attended many national and international meetings as a resource person, and he is a member of many national and international organization in his area of interest. In 2013, he participated in African Cancer Leader Institute and in 2016, he was selected as one of the ‘50 for 50’ upcoming global cancer leaders by International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). In 2017, he was awarded the prestigious Prof T.A.I Grillo Excellence in Research Award by his University.
He co-founded the African Research Group for Oncology (ARGO) in 2013. The group run a clinical database and biobank for breast and colorectal cancer. He is a leader and a trainer in Oncology and Gastroenterology in Nigeria. He is the Secretary General of the Society of Gastroenterology and Hepatology in Nigeria (SOGHIN). He also facilitated the establishment of routine ERCP in Nigeria. He is a member of the Lancet Oncology Commission on Global Cancer Surgery. He is also a Co-PI on multiple prospective studies on colorectal and breast cancer in Nigeria, including a UG3/UH3 NIH grant (awarded in 2017) and Cancer Prevent grant 2020. He has trained over 18 General Surgeons many interested in Surgical Oncology and have taken faculty positions in Nigeria. He has over 111 publications in peer-reviewed journals and 4 chapters.
Esther Kikelomo AFOLABI PhD, R.N., FWACN.
Nigeria Team Lead Nurse
Dr Esther Kikelomo Afolabi is a Senior Lecturer and Researcher in the Department of Nursing Science, Obafemi Awolowo University (O.A.U.), Ile Ife, Osun State, Nigeria. She is a Registered Nurse (RN), Registered Midwife (RM) and Registered Public Health Nurse (RPHN). She holds BNSC, MSc and PhD degrees in Nursing, and she is a fellow of the West Africa College of Nursing. She had worked as a nurse instructor, volunteer, and clinician in reputable health institutions before transferring her services to the Department of Nursing Science in 2014. Her nursing science background gives her a sound understanding of the subject in theory and practice. She is a member of the NANDA-International.
Her research focuses on cancer prevention, health services research and health system strengthening. She attended several conferences with themes on the subject matter. Hence, she is involved in networking and collaborative research. She teaches, co-teach and supervises projects at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. She has publications in reputable journals. Dr Esther Afolabi is happily married and blessed with three children.
Israel Adeyemi OWOADE
Program Manager
Israel Adeyemi OWOADE is an epidemiologist cum public health specialist. He holds a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery degree of the University of Ilorin, Nigeria. He is a fellow of the West African College of Physicians. He is a dynamic researcher with a high level of professional commitment. He is knowledgeable and skilled in quantitative and qualitative research methods and data management. His job entails program development and coordination in the organization. His research interests revolves round non-communicable diseases, adolescent health, health education and promotion.
Titilope Adesola ADEYANJU
Training Program Manager
Titilope Adesola Adeyanju is a Public Health Physician with special interest in epidemiology. She holds a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Ogbomoso, Nigeria and a Master in Public Health degree of the Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, Nigeria. She is a Fellow of West African College of Physicians and an Associate Fellow of the National Post-Graduate Medical College of Nigeria.
She has been trained and well experienced in Planning and Implementation as well as Monitoring and evaluation of Public Health Programmes. She has also conducted and coordinated trainings at local, state and National levels organised by local and International Organisations. Her areas of research interest include epidemiology of communicable and non-communicable diseases, Public Health Nutrition and Child health. She works with this organization as training program manager on a part-time basis.
James Oluwaleke FAYENUWO
Project Manager
James Oluwaleke Fayenuwo is a Public Health specialist with a special interest in Epidemiology, Reproductive Health, and Nutrition. He holds a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) degree of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. He is a Fellow of the West African College of Physicians (Community Health) and a Fellow of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (Public Health and Community Medicine).
Over the years, he has gained considerable experience in various health, socio-economic, and population-focused program management posts that have adequately prepared and enhanced his skills, knowledge, and capacity to handle a wide range of public health issues some of which include holding consulting positions with the World Health Organization and serving as a member of the COVID-19 response team in Plateau State working on the contact tracing unit among others. Similarly, he carries out capacity-building and mentoring for teams at different levels of implementation with partners and promotes coordination among local stakeholders. He works with this organization as the Project Manager.
Folake Esther OLATONA
Research Administrator
OLATONA Folake Esther is an administrator with over five years’ experience. She holds the Bachelor and Masters degrees in Public Administration of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
She passionately uses her administrative skills to add value to the organization by making its vision and mission her personal creed.
Folake is agile in offering an unequalled service in harmonious relationship with other members of her workforce. She is a team player with positive thinking in developing an optimum solution.
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Mary Yetunde OGUNYEMI
Research Assistant
Mary Yetunde OGUNYEMI is a Microbiologist with specialization in Medical Microbiology. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree of the Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria and a Master of Science degree of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Nigeria; all in the field of Microbiology and working on getting a Doctorate degree in the same field.
She is a team player, dedicated, hardworking, research-oriented and possesses the necessary laboratory techniques. She had 6years experience working with a research-based organization – Institute of Public Health, OAU, Ile-Ife. This afforded her opportunities to work with various International Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) sponsored projects.
She’s also a trained Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, a member of American Society for Microbiology and International Association of Public Health Logisticians. Her job in this organization entails patients’ enrolment and data collection, cancerous/normal tissues samples collection, and processing for detailed laboratory analysis for breast study. Her research interest includes epidemiology, immunology, molecular biology and clinical Microbiology.
Oluwabusayomi Roseline ADEMAKINWA
Research Assistant
Oluwabusayomi Roseline ADEMAKINWA is a Microbiologist with specialization in Medical/Environmental Microbiology. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree of the Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria and a Masters of Science degree of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; all in the field of Microbiology. She is currently pursuing her doctorate degree with research focus in Clinical and Molecular Microbiology.
She is dedicated, hardworking, a team player, research oriented and possesses the necessary laboratory techniques. Oluwabusayomi has authored some publications in her field of research and she is a member of American Society for Microbiology. Her job in the organization requires patients’ enrollment, collection of cancerous/normal tissues sample and processing for detailed laboratory analysis for colorectal study. Her research interest includes infectious disease, immunology, molecular biology and clinical/environmental microbiology.
Samson Gbenga OGUNLEYE
Research Assistant
Samson Gbenga OGUNLEYE is an adaptable and qualified young professional scientist with experience and outstanding performance rating. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho, Nigeria and a Master of Science degree in biochemistry from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
He nurtures keen interest in cancer research particularly Breast cancer. He is involved in coordinating specific projects under the supervision of different Principal Investigators (national and international), namely BAIS and FIT studies.
Adeoluwa Oluwaseyi ADELEYE
Research Assistant
Adeoluwa Oluwaseyi ADELEYE holds a Bachelor and Master Degrees in Plant Science (Entomology and Pesticide Toxicology option) from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. He is currently pursuing his Ph.D. Degree in the same University. He has authored a number of peer-reviewed articles in both national and international journals. He is a member of the British Ecological Society (BES), Entomological Society of Nigeria (ESN), and Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC).
He is a team player, hardworking, technology-driven, and research-oriented. He has more than six years of research experiences working with local, national, and international research-based organizations. His research interests include sustainable pest management, environmental epidemiology, monitoring of dietary and occupational exposure of Human to carcinogen (such as pesticides) and human health risks assessment.
His responsibilities in this organization involve patients’ recruitment and samples collection for urine metabolomics, breast cancer bio-impedance, financial toxicity and R01 studies.
Mercy Omotola AWE
Research Assistant
Mercy Omotola AWE is a Public Health scientist. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from the University of Ado Ekiti now Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti and a Master Public Health degree from the University of Ibadan, Ibadan. She is a registered member of Environmental Health Officer Council of Nigeria. Her research interest revolves round Environmental Health and Epidemiology.
She had training in monitoring and Evaluation of Public Health Programme with lots of work experience. She had four years working experience with Institute of Public Health, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife – a research-based organization. She is a seasoned researcher with a high level of professional commitment and a good communication skill.
Her responsibility in this organization involves patient recruitment to Breast Q and Relative of Breast Cancer studies; and follow-up of high-risk patient recruited into iBreast study few years back.
Mariam Adenike KOIKI
Research Assistant
Mariam Adenike KOIKI is a Phlebotomist/Laboratory Technician. She holds a certificate in phlebotomy technician course from the Department of Medical Laboratory Technology of the Lagos State College of Health Technology, Yaba. She has over 4 years’ experience in collection of blood samples and other body fluids.
She also participated in different projects and outreach on health, both while training and even after qualifying as a technician. Prior to joining ARGO, she worked as a research assistant with Pathology and Genomic Core of NIH U54 grant headed by Prof. Abdulkareem of the Department of Anatomic & Molecular Pathology, College of Medicine University of Lagos.
She is a responsible, hard-working and self-motivated lady. Her job in the organization requires patients’ enrolment, collection of cancerous/normal tissue samples, processing and storage into the -80 degrees celsius freezer for subsequent analysis as highlighted in the Colorectal cancer study in LUTH.
Christopher Oluwasesan BAMIDELE
Research Assistant
Christopher Oluwasesan BAMIDELE holds a Bachelor of Engineering Degree in Environmental Engineering of the Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi and a Masters Degree in Environmental Control and Management of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.
Christopher is a seasoned quantitative and qualitative researcher with an excellent academic profile and a proven track record of well over 5 years of sound professional expertise. Very conversant with the use and development of Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing applications (Kobo Collect, SurveyCTO, and Open Data Kit) for field data collection and management.
An experienced Data Manager/Analyst with proficient knowledge of ArcGIS, QGIS, STATA, and ATLAS.ti for managing related datasets in fields of social sciences, environmental sciences, as well as public health. Highly focused with comprehensive knowledge and understanding of research design and methodology, with consistent success of delivering projects to the highest technical standards at tight time scales and within budget.
One who has developed a technical competence in the application of GIS and Remote Sensing to project monitoring and evaluation. An organized individual, with an excellent presentation and communication skills, and an outstanding professional for an area of consultancy work in Research Design, Data Management, GIS and Remote Sensing applications in areas of health and environmental management amongst others.
He is gently assertive, yet a friendly person who is approachable and able to get along and relate to people at all levels. Additionally, his astute diligence and dedication makes him a strong contributor to a goal-driven organization. He recruits participants into “cryptosporidium involvement in Colorectal Cancer study” in OAUTHC, Ile-Ife.
Habeeb Abdulrasheed SHITTU
Research Assistant
Habeeb Abdulrasheed SHITTU is a Laboratory Technologist. He holds a Higher National Diploma of the Federal Polytechnic Offa, Kwara State, Nigeria; in the field of Biology/Microbiology. He is currently working on getting a Bachelor of Science Degree in Medical Microbiology.
He is dedicated, hardworking, technologically oriented and possesses a valuable professional experience and laboratory techniques in the field of laboratory testing. He had 4 years working experience as a co-researcher and a technician at the Federal Polytechnic Offa, Kwara State. He also worked as a Technologist at Nakowa Medical Cente, Ilorin.
He has a publication on Microbial Analysis in a peer-reviewed journal. His job in this organization entails patients’ enrolment and data collection, blood and cancerous/normal tissues samples collection into colorectal cancer database and R01 Grant studies in the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin. His research interest centres on colorectal cancer, clinical microbiology and food quality control.
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Joshua Oyindamola ADELEYE
Research Assistant
Joshua Oyindamola ADELEYE is a certified information scientist. He holds a diploma of library and information science of the Institute of Education, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria.
He is a prolific and seasoned researcher with high level of professional commitment.
He is a team player, dedicated and hard-working with good communication skills. He’s currently in charge of patients’ recruitment for the BREAST Q study in Federal Medical Centre, Owo, Ondo State. His research interest is in breast cancer.
OGUNYEMI Yetunde Florence
Research Assistant
Florence Yetunde OGUNYEMI obtained a Bachelor of Technology degree (B.Tech.) in Food Science and Technology from the Federal University of Technology, Akure. She has over seven (7) years research experience in different research organizations involved in international project.
Yetunde has a good interpersonal skill, excellent oral and written communication skills. She is as well proficient in data analysis using some econometrics and statistical tools.
Her job description in this organisation include: patient enrolment, collection of cancerous/normal tissues, bloods and saliva for detailed laboratory analysis for MEND and delay studies. She is well equipped and capable of promoting the organizational objectives and goals.
Saheed LAWAL
Research Assistant
Saheed LAWAL is an Administrator. He holds a Higher National Diploma in Public Administration of the Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria.
He worked at the research office of the Department of Surgery, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) prior to joining this organization. He was the Data Manager of the just concluded Falcon Trial and the on-going Chettah trial at UITH. He is the RA in charge of Breast Q study in UITH. He recruits patients and collects data for this study at UITH, Ilorin, Kwara state.
Olusegun Joshua BABATUNDE
Research Assistant
Olusegun Joshua BABATUNDE is a Registered Community Health Practitioner (RCHP) who has a track record in providing quality healthcare to his patients. He graduated from the Community Health Officers’ Training Programme of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife where he obtained a Higher National Diploma in Community Health awarded by the Community Health Practitioner Registration Board of Nigeria (CHPRBN).
He also possesses certificates in “Planning for Monitoring and Evaluation” and “Fundamental of Project Management” of the Philanthropy University.
He has a wealth of experience working with both national and international research organizations such as WHO, UNICEF, HANOVIA, National Bureau of Statistics, Saving One Million Lives Programme for Result (SOML-PforR), Federal Ministry of Health, and Mass Medical Mission (MMM).
His job in the organization entails all aspects of patient recruitment and sample collection for R01 study.
Francis Oluseyi ADEPOJU
Research Assistant
Francis Oluseyi ADEPOJU holds a bachelor’s degree from Lagos State University, Nigeria in History and International Relations. He was one of the adhoc research assistants of ARGO LUTH team that were involved in the recruitment of subjects into the Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) Colorectal Cancer Screening study.
He currently works as an ARGO Research Assistant with the responsibility of recruiting patients for Colorectal Cancer Database and Biobanking study. He also sources for patients and controls for R01 study titled “Determining the Risk Factor Profile and Biology of Colorectal Cancer in Nigeria” at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi araba, Lagos.
Titilope Adebukola Ojajuni
Research Assistant
Titilope Adebukola Ojajuni is a trained Dental Surgery Technician/Dental Nurse from Pogil College of Health Technology, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State. She has over 4years experience in Dental nursing. She is responsible, hardworking, smart and has good team spirit.
She is currently working as an ARGO Research Assistant with responsibility of recruiting patients and ensuring storage of blood and tissue samples for colorectal cancer database and R01 study in Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos.
Adenike Aderonke OJAJUNI
Accountant
Adenike OJAJUNI works as ARGO Accountant. She holds a Bachelor degree in Accounting from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. She is an associate chartered accountant certified by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).
She had previous work exeperience with a few organizations namely Gbenga Afolabi & Co Chartered Accountant (as Audit Trainee), Oceantrans and trading International Ltd (as Account Officer), Boldform Consult Limited (as Admin. & Account Manager), and Academy for Health Development (as Compliance, Finance & Admin. Manager).
Aaron Chinyeremaka NJOKU
Driver
Aaron Chinyeremaka NJOKU holds a secondary school leaving certificate from Okpala Secondary School, Owerri, Nigeria. He is a well experienced and professional driver who has worked with different organizations before joining the service of this organization including Reynold Construction Company (RCC) International and JONAK Construction Company.
He is cool, calm and coordinated on the steering. He also possesses a strong communication skill. He loves to be regarded as ARGO pilot.