Survivors commend TCP Nigeria’s robotic prostate surgery success
Survivors commend TCP Nigeria’s robotic prostate surgery success
Nigerian survivors of prostate cancer commend The Prostate Clinic (TPC) after successful robotic surgeries recovery, and also shares testimonies.
They spoke at the 10th anniversary event of The Prostate Clinic (TPC), an event which also marked a milestone of 100 successful robotic surgeries, in Lagos.
Maj.-Gen John Enenche, a prominent survivor, described his “divine intervention” after a routine check revealed a dangerously high PSA level.
Enenche, a former Nigerian Army spokesperson, said he noticed changes in his body and his PSA level rose from 8.5 to 14.2.
Fearing for his life, Enenche initially requested radical surgery, but instead underwent a four-hour robotic procedure at TPC, which preserved his quality of life.
“I heard clearly: ‘Go and check yourself, check your prostate, check your kidneys. That instruction saved my life.”
According to him, further investigations showed a serious concern.
“They saw something that could be cancerous. Fear took over.
“I told the doctor, ‘Remove everything, both testicles and nerves. Let me just live so I can continue serving Nigeria,’” he recounted.
However, the CEO of TPC, Prof. Kingsley Ekwueme, assured me of a more measured, evidence-based approach, which gave me confidence.
Enenche said he had to undergo a robotic surgery, which he described as seamless.
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“Prof told me the operation would take about four hours. When I woke up, it was done. I didn’t even realise what had happened.
“I walked into that hospital. I walked out. The money I spent became nothing compared to the life I gained.”
Other survivors, Mr Innocent Ihebuzor and Mr Emmanuel Okolie, who travelled from Canada for treatment, also shared their own story.
Okolie said his diagnosis was shocking.
According to him, due to treatment delays in Canada, he had to fly down to Lagos, Nigeria, to seek treatment.
He said his procedure was successful and recovery was swift.
Recounting his ordeal before the procedure, Ihebuzor, said it was harrowing.
“I was urinating up to 10 times a night. I couldn’t sleep.
“After the surgery, everything returned to normal. I urinate like a young boy again.”
Ichie Osigwe also narrated his own journey, which was very touching as his wife had passed on around that period as a result of cancer; but Ekwueme assured him of a smooth procedure.
“My PSA was 69, and my wife had just died of cancer.
I asked, ‘Will I survive?
The professor told me, ‘You will not die.”
“Today, I am alive,” he said.
On his part, Mr Adesina Alabi, shared how his PSA level shot up to 7.9 in 2025.
He underwent robotic surgery on Dec. 27 and recovered smoothly.
“This new place is excellent. They are professionals and they showed much care,” he said.
Another survivor, Mr Ben Alozie, a Journalist, said: “Prostate cancer is not a death sentence. I am practically cancer-free.”
In his remarks, Ekwueme, Lead Robotic Surgeon and CEO of TCP, noted that the successful robotic prostate cancer surgeries, highlighted a growing shift toward advanced cancer care within Nigeria.
Robotic-assisted surgery is considered a leading approach for prostate cancer treatment globally, offering greater precision and reduced risk of complications when compared to traditional methods.
Its availability in Nigeria marks a significant step in reducing reliance on medical treatment abroad.
Ekwueme, a Consultant Urological Surgeon, said that about 80 per cent of Nigerian men seek help too late, and that these survivors represented a shift toward early detection.
According to him, in one year, TPC has treated patients not just from Nigeria but from Ghana, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Brazil, U.S., the UK, and Canada.
“Many undergo surgery and fly back home the next day.
“The milestone reflects both increasing awareness and rising demand for specialised treatment.
“The number is important, but what matters most is that these surgeries were done safely. Every patient we treated went home,” he said.
Ekwueme said closing the treatment gap required stronger awareness, early screening, and improved access to quality care.
“Prostate cancer is curable if detected early. The problem is that most men come too late,” he said.
He said the clinic was expanding, with a new dedicated robotic centre, the first in Nigeria and Africa, set to open in Imo.
“The facility will uniquely combine robotic surgery with a world-class oncology and radiotherapy centre under one roof.’’
Ekwueme also announced research plans focused on African genetics to develop treatments that work best for Black patients.
He urged Nigerian men, especially those over 45 or with a family history, to get regular PSA tests.
“Prostate cancer is curable if you catch it early. You can live your normal life expectancy.
“We have started the journey. Now we must expand it so more lives can be saved,” Ekwueme said.
