Former President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and founder of Word of Life Bible Church, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, has emotionally opened up about his painful battle with an aggressive form of cancer — a struggle he kept hidden from the public while continuing to preach and minister.
In a heartfelt message shared with members of his church, the respected cleric revealed that doctors had at one point told him his condition had worsened and that there was little hope left.
Despite the devastating diagnosis, Oritsejafor said he continued carrying on with ministry, attending church services, helping people and appearing cheerful in public while secretly enduring severe pain.
“The cancer had spread, and doctors said there was no hope. But I came back home, still dancing, still preaching and still serving God even while battling pain inside my body,” he said in the emotional video.
The pastor disclosed that he later travelled to the United States for specialised treatment, where he spent about four months receiving medical care.
According to him, the treatment process was physically, emotionally and financially draining, costing nearly $120,000.
Oritsejafor explained that throughout the difficult period, he deliberately chose not to publicly announce his illness because he preferred to maintain a positive outlook and continue living normally despite the circumstances.
Reflecting on the experience, the cleric said the battle completely changed his perspective about life, faith and purpose.
He also revealed that someone he knew, who was battling the same illness around the same period, sadly passed away abroad.
The former CAN president urged his congregation not to compare his recovery with others who lost their lives, stressing that he sees his healing as an act of God’s mercy rather than personal strength.
According to him, surviving the illness strengthened his commitment to dedicate even more of his life to serving God and humanity.
His emotional testimony has since sparked reactions online, with many Nigerians praising his resilience, faith and courage throughout the difficult health battle.
Source: Church video message / reports circulating online
