Notes on Pain, Grief, and Growth

The past few months have tested me deeply, reshaping my understanding of life, loss, and purpose.

Caring for my father during his final battle with cancer became the most heartbreaking journey I’ve ever walked. Witnessing the relentless toll it took on him — physically and emotionally — brought a pain that transcends language. My father was a remarkable man: principled, brilliant, compassionate, and fiercely dedicated to his family and community. Every ambition I pursue, every milestone I chase, springs from his unwavering example. His influence laid the foundation for my career path and ignited my passion for healthcare innovation and accessibility across Africa.

His passing left an immense void. Grief became my constant companion — ever-present yet quietly transformative. But even amidst overwhelming sorrow, moments of clarity, resilience, and unexpected growth emerged.

In February, during one of my darkest periods, I campaigned for Publicity Secretary at the Healthcare Federation of Nigeria (HFN). Though I didn’t secure the position, the experience proved invaluable. It taught me profound lessons in visibility, targeted engagement, consensus-building, and strategic positioning. More importantly, it reminded me of community’s power as friends, colleagues, and professional networks rallied behind my vision and candidacy.

My communities became pillars of strength — HFN, Premia Business Network (PBN), my cherished Game Night Crew, vibrant Twitter communities, and countless personal friends who offered unwavering support, encouragement, and practical help throughout this difficult journey.

In March, my team at Infinity Health Africa showcased our transformative regtech solution — ONBOARD — at Pharma West Africa 2025. This outstanding experience featured impactful conversations, valuable stakeholder engagement, and new client partnerships, with many more awaiting collaboration. The exhibition reinforced our mission — simplifying healthcare innovation and market access across Africa — and confirmed we’re on the right path.

Channelling pain into purpose, I embraced new roles and opportunities. I proudly joined the faculty of the African Health Innovators Fellowship, teaching and mentoring young digital health entrepreneurs. Empowering these innovators — guiding them through regulatory frameworks and ethical considerations in digital health — brought immense fulfilment and rekindled my optimism.

My advocacy gained momentum at the Africa ICT Summit, where I contributed to the RegTech panel alongside the continent’s leading thought leaders. Together, we explored innovative solutions transforming regulatory frameworks and compliance practices across Africa.

Through these milestones, we honored my father’s memory with a beautiful farewell , celebrating the life he lived and the legacy he leaves behind. Returning to work afterwards wasn’t just a a necessity; it was a decision grounded in resilience, commitment, and determination to continue making a difference.

Today, the pain hasn’t vanished, and grief still surfaces unexpectedly. But what remains more prominent is growth, the courage to move forward, optimism for the future, and excitement for the many impactful initiatives on the horizon.

Stay tuned. There is much more coming, and I’m eager to share this continuing journey with all of you.