The 2nd Lady Kate Imuetinyan Obaseki Colloquium and the unveiling of a foundation in her honour were held in Benin City on Wednesday, January 29, 2026, with experts calling for stronger awareness, early diagnosis and institutional support for patients living with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in Nigeria.

The event, which coincided with Lady Kate Obaseki’s birthday, featured Emeritus Professor Chief Osato Giwa-Osagie, OON, the Obarisiagbon of Benin Kingdom, as chairman, while Prof. Oladapo Afolabi, CFR, former Head of Service of the Federation, unveiled the foundation.

Three panellists — Prof. Ehijie Felix Enato, Dr. Tada Ehondor and Venerable David Osazee Egbenusi — presented papers on advances in IPF management, the burden of the disease in Nigeria and the social impact of respiratory illness.

The session was moderated by Prof. Darlington Obaseki, former Chief Medical Director of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH). Panel members included Dr. Peter Ikponmwosa Agbonrofo, Associate Professor of Surgery, University of Benin, and Consultant General/Laparoscopic Surgeon, UBTH; Prof. Esohe O. Ogboghodo, Professor of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of Benin; Prof. Penaere T. Osahon, Professor of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, University of Benin; and Prof. Ighodaro Igbe, Dean, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin.

The colloquium drew policymakers, academics, health professionals and members of the public, including Senator Matthew Uroghide, Hon. Razaq Bello-Osagie, Prof. Samuel Wara, Vice-Chancellor of Edwin Clark University, and Hon. Chris Okaeben, Edo State Commissioner for Arts and Culture.

Speakers emphasised the need to improve diagnostic capacity, expand public education and strengthen collaboration between government and health institutions to address IPF in Nigeria.

A major outcome of the event was the establishment of an annual prize in Accountancy for the best graduating student at Wellspring University, where the colloquium was held, in honour of Lady Kate Obaseki’s career as an accountant with NNPC and Petrobras.