By
Princewill Oviesan Deduke
The Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation Nigeria (OIFN) marked a major milestone in its decade-long journey of advocacy, awareness, research and family support with a landmark conference held on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Oyo State.
The programme, organised in collaboration with the Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation Network, UK, was the National Osteogenesis Imperfecta Awareness & Family Support Conference, held under the theme: “Advancing Care and Research in Osteogenesis Imperfecta.”
The conference brought together medical doctors, healthcare professionals, researchers, medical undergraduates, families, advocates, members of the media and other stakeholders within the health sector. It provided an important platform for participants to learn more about Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI), exchange professional knowledge and, importantly, give their voices and support to the continuing work of OIFN in Nigeria.
A Decade of Service, Advocacy and Impact
For OIFN, the Ibadan conference was more than an academic gathering. It was a celebration of 10 years of service, hope, strength and resilience.
Since its establishment, the organisation, founded by Ambassador Mrs Tarela Aghanti, has worked to improve awareness of Osteogenesis Imperfecta, support affected individuals and families, promote better understanding within the medical community and create stronger networks around people living with the condition.
The anniversary therefore offered an opportunity to reflect on the journey so far while looking ahead to a future where people affected by OI can access improved information, appropriate medical care, professional support and greater social understanding.
The organisation’s growing international connection through its UK network has also strengthened its ability to build bridges between families, healthcare professionals, researchers and advocates.
At the Ibadan programme, Mrs Tarela Aghanti, Founder of OIFN, and Mrs Luis Ewenla, Vice President of the organisation, were central to the celebration of the foundation’s decade of work.
The occasion also provided an opportunity for OIFN leadership to appreciate its partners, supporters and individuals who have contributed to the organisation’s activities over the years.
Medical Community Gives OIFN Stronger Voice
The presence of medical professionals and medical undergraduates gave the conference a particularly important dimension.
Doctors and healthcare practitioners engaged with the subject from clinical and professional perspectives, while students had an opportunity to gain knowledge about a condition that requires greater awareness across the healthcare system.
The participation of the university’s leadership, including the Vice Chancellor, Provost and Head of the relevant medical department, further demonstrated the importance of creating stronger links between advocacy organisations and academic and medical institutions.
The media also played an important role, helping to amplify the message beyond the conference hall and bring the OI conversation to a wider Nigerian audience.
Among the featured speakers and contributors were Dr. Ajibola Oladiran, Dr. Davis Gatua, Mr. Tolu Adeoye, Ifesinachi Triumph, Mrs Tarela Aghanti, Dr. Fatimah Ahmedu, Louise Adeleke and Grace Alexander, alongside other professionals and stakeholders.
Their participation reinforced the multidisciplinary character of the conference and the need for collaboration between healthcare, research, advocacy, families and the wider society.
A Special Appreciation
A notable mention during the Ibadan programme was Dr. Ropo Ewenla, whose efforts were instrumental in facilitating the successful hosting of the Ibadan leg.
His contribution was acknowledged as part of the wider network of individuals whose commitment has helped OIFN advance its programmes and reach more people.
The anniversary celebration therefore became a moment of appreciation—not only for the founders and leadership of OIFN, but also for partners, medical professionals, volunteers, families, advocates and supporters who have stood behind the organisation throughout its 10-year journey.
From Ibadan to Lagos
With the successful completion of the Ibadan conference, the anniversary activities celebration was move to Lagos, where OIFN to continued the celebration at the ECWA Church Centre, Yaba.
The Lagos programme provided another opportunity for families, advocates, medical professionals, partners, members of the media and supporters of the organisation to come together and celebrate a decade of impact, where a dinner party was held and Ecowas women association as lead by chief Mrs Adekunkle added color to the event
For OIFN, the journey that began ten years ago continues with an even broader mission: to create greater awareness, strengthen support systems, encourage research and ensure that people living with Osteogenesis Imperfecta are seen, heard and supported.
The Ibadan conference was therefore not simply a celebration of the past. It was a renewed call for collaboration and a stronger commitment to the next chapter of OIFN’s work in Nigeria and beyond.
