Ifeoma Okoye

My name is Emeritus Professor Ifeoma Joy Okoye, and I am proud to introduce myself as a patient advocate and a lifelong believer in equitable health access. With over four decades of experience in medicine and more than 34 years in radiology, I have dedicated my life to transforming how health research, clinical trials, and patient-centered care are delivered across Africa and beyond. I’ve worn many hats—clinician, researcher, policy influencer, and educator—but at the heart of it all is a deep commitment to the people behind the data: the patients. I believe they are not just subjects of research but powerful partners in creating better health outcomes. I'm married to Engr. Sir Chris Okoye, and weare blessed with four children and three grandchildren. I also serve as; Provost General of The Living by Design Institute (LBDI), & A Pastor at Living by Design (LBD), which mentors & empowers a Global Community of Professionals in Christian - Entrepreneurship, Faith and leadership.

My journey into patient advocacy is deeply personal and professional. Having worked on the frontlines of cancer care and research, I have seen the devastating impact of late diagnoses, lack of access, and broken systems—especially in under-resourced communities. I have also seen the transformative power of informed, empowered patients and community-driven solutions. Founding Breast Without Spot (BWS) and launching Nigeria’s International Cancer Week were not just professional milestones—they were bold steps toward ensuring that no patient walks alone, unheard, or unseen. My work has always been about more than medicine; it’s about amplifying voices, shaping policy, and building systems that truly serve the people. We cannot afford to exclude patients from the conversation. I advocate because I know that when we involve patients—when we listen to them—we build better trials, we develop better treatments, and we save more lives. I advocate because I believe in a future where every patient matters, every trial includes every voice, and every health system is built with equity at its core. Let’s build that future—together.

Clinical Trials & Research Strategy: Founder of UNN Center of Excellence for Clinical Trials (UNNCECT) and Co-Chair of the African Clinical Trial Consortium—leading decentralized clinical trials (DCTs) across Africa. Cancer Control & Public Health Mobilization: Creator of BWS-NYSC CDS Model, engaging Nigerian youth in cancer awareness across all 774 LGAs. Initiator of Go Pink Day and International Cancer Week. Global Collaborations & Policy Influence: Instrumental in shaping national ethics and research frameworks (e.g., NHREC, NICRAT, NAFDAC TWG). Ongoing partnerships with Stanford, Johns Hopkins, MD Anderson, and more. Thought Leadership & Education: Ashoka Globalizer Fellow. Author of 10 books, 128 academic publications. Mentor to a generation of African health professionals. Advocacy Rooted in Faith & Purpose: Faith-driven changemaker and advisor to global institutions, driven by a mission to create sustainable, inclusive, and patient-centered research ecosystems.