- The economics guru chronicled his struggle with the deadly disease in a series of tweets on Friday.
- Utomi disclosed that he was diagnosed with cancer in 2022 after a biopsy.
Pat Utomi, a professor of political economy, bemoaned the prevalence of cancer in Nigeria especially among men in their sixties.
The economics guru chronicled his struggle with the deadly disease in a series of tweets on Friday.
Utomi disclosed that he was diagnosed with cancer in 2022 after a biopsy.
Biopsy is a medical procedure to remove a piece of tissue or a sample of cells from the body for testing.
The procedure is being used to detect cancer.
The professor did not say the exact form of cancer he is undergoing treatment for.
I am moved this dawn of light to confront an epidemic under the carpet with great harm to men. Prostate cancer is bringing death and misery to many men. Had they been forewarned the misery containment and even chances of cure could be much enhanced, like women have with breast CA
— Pat Utomi (@UtomiPat) August 11, 2023
Speaking about his struggles, Utomi said during the preparation for the 2023 elections, he occasionally visited a cancer centre in Ikeja after campaigns.
He added that whenever he shared his struggles with cancer, he realised that many people in his age grade are also slugging it out with the same virulent ailment.
“Did not see why it was taboo to say you were in a battle with Cancer. The more I talked about it the more I found many of my age in similar circumstances,” he wrote on X.
Did not see why it was taboo to say you were in a battle with Cancer. The more I talked about it the more I found many of my age in similar circumstances. It almost seems like an epidemic for Nigerian men over 60. Not talking makes them lose the benefit of early detection
— Pat Utomi (@UtomiPat) August 11, 2023
He said “It almost seems like an epidemic for Nigerian men over 60. Not talking makes them lose the benefit of early detection”
Utomi disclosed that after the election was over his relatives who are medical professionals insisted on taking over his treatment and with that came the limited use of his mobile phone.
“Once elections were over, my young nephews and cousins, Doctors in Europe and the US joined forces with the Lakeshore people and decided they wanted me in their direct care.
Once elections were over my young nephews and cousins, Doctors in Europe and the US , joined forces with the Lakeshore people and decided they wanted me in their direct care. That’s how come it seemed I went quiet cause they controlled my phones to reduce stress.
— Pat Utomi (@UtomiPat) August 11, 2023
“That’s how it seemed. I went quiet cause they controlled my phones to reduce stress.” he stated
Utomi is one of the chieftains of the Labour Party (LP). He played a key role in the party’s 2023 presidential campaigns.
In 2022, he stepped down his presidential ambition for Peter Obi, eventual standard-bearer of the LP.
Founder of the Centre for Values in Leadership, Utomi has been in the public eye since the late ’70s when he was appointed special assistant to then President Shehu Shagari.