Farooq Oreagba Recounts Battle With Cancer, Losing Friends

Investment banker and Managing Director of NG Clearing Limited, Farooq Oregba, recently opened up about his personal battle with Osteosarcoma (bone cancer) and how it led to losing many of his friends.

Oreagba shared his story during an interview on Arise TV, shedding light on his journey since being diagnosed in 2014.

Oreagba, who gained fame for his distinctive style at the recently concluded Ojude Oba festival, revealed that his cancer diagnosis impacted his social circle.

News About Nigeria reported that he was lauded for his “steeze” and “composure” after photos of him at the festival, mounted on a horse with a big cigarette, black sunglasses, and sleeve tattoos, went viral.

Netizens crowned him “the king of steeze” and the best dressed at the festival.

Speaking candidly on Arise TV, Oreagba said, “I was a senior executive at the exchange back in the early 2000s. Prior to that, let’s say I had 5 million friends. When I left the exchange in 2010, my 5 million friends went down to 1 million. When I got diagnosed with cancer in 2014, my 1 million went down to 100. That is a very important lesson. Hold your friends close. Keep your faith. Ten toes down all the time. Be yourself. As long as I don’t hurt anybody.”

Farooq Oreagba

Oreagba, known for his tattoos and unique fashion sense, added, “People talk about my tattoos. I’ve had tats for years. I’m very particular about it. I try and make sure I don’t have tattoos on my face. My sleeves cover them when I am on corporate mode.”

In the interview, Oreagba took the opportunity to showcase his tattoos, reading out their inscriptions, which include messages such as “I live each day like it’s my last,” “Don’t judge me,” “Only God can judge me,” and “ride or die.”

He said that his tattoos, which he has had for years, reflect his personal philosophy and approach to life.

He further explained his life during the cancer treatment, saying, “From the moment I was diagnosed with cancer in February 2014, it’s an incurable form of cancer. Your priorities change. You don’t know how much time you’ve got. You line up your list of priorities; for me, family first because I don’t know how long I’m going to be around. By God’s grace, I’m 10 years and counting. I’m not about to go like that anytime soon since I’ve been crowned King of steeze.”

Oreagba revealed that he has been in remission since a bone marrow transplant in August 2014 and no longer undergoes chemotherapy.

“I had a bone marrow transplant in August 2014. I’ve been in remission since. I do chemotherapy every day. 21 days a month for eight years. I don’t do chemotherapy anymore. I’ve put on some weight, I’m back working.”

Oregba also highlighted his commitment to helping others, noting, “I counsel cancer patients. I’ve been counselling cancer patients for a while.”

Reflecting on his participation in the Ojude Oba festival, Oregba shared the deep-rooted family tradition.

The festival, he noted, is more than just a fashion statement; it’s an important family affair that brings relatives together.

“Ojude Oba has evolved over the years. I’ve been doing it for 15 years. Within my family, the Oreagba family, my grandfather was the main rider going back to the early 1960s. It’s a family affair, it’s not about one individual. It’s a very expensive venture. For us, it brings the family together.”

“It’s a very expensive venture. We’ve got to get the horses, the attires, everything. It also brings the family together. You are going to wear the same outfit. You have to be considerate for other people. For us, it’s the bringing of the family together.”

He said his new-found fame was a total shock to him, as he never expected it.

“This is a total shock to me because the cameraman nailed it. You say I nailed it, I didn’t nail it; the camera guy nailed it.”

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