Charles Awuzie Mourns Alexx Ekubo, Calls for African Cancer Research Revolution
By Matthew Eloyi
Public commentator and technology entrepreneur Charles Awuzie has reacted to reports of the death of Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo, describing the tragedy as a reflection of the global failure to prioritise advanced cancer treatment and longevity research.
In an emotional Facebook post, Awuzie lamented the reported passing of the actor, who was said to have died after battling cancer, and called for African governments to invest more in scientific innovation and proactive healthcare systems.
“He was tall, handsome — almost beautiful, intelligent and he had an extraordinary charisma that flowed with grace,” Awuzie wrote while paying tribute to the actor.
According to him, society admired the actor’s outward appearance while he was allegedly battling a devastating illness internally.
“We admired him from outside while cancer was tearing him apart on the inside — cell after cell, tissue after tissue, organ to organ until his entire existence collapsed to strange cells,” he stated.
Awuzie used the moment to advocate for what he described as a “National Longevity Strategy,” arguing that governments should move beyond traditional healthcare funding to focus on research aimed at extending human life and preventing terminal diseases.
“This is why I encourage Governments across the world to evolve from Funding Healthcare to Funding LONGEVITY,” he wrote, adding that healthcare systems are largely reactive instead of preventive.
He also criticised global drug approval systems, particularly the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), claiming that several advanced liver cancer therapies remain inaccessible due to slow approval processes.
“Several highly advanced liver cancer therapies exist already — but in clinical trials and have not yet received official FDA approval over the years,” Awuzie claimed.
The social commentator further called for the establishment of an African continental drug regulatory agency capable of independently approving treatments developed by African scientists.
“Africa must have its own version of FDA — at a continental level,” he said.
Awuzie also challenged African scientists and researchers to focus on finding local solutions to major health challenges, especially cancer.
“My name is Charles Awuzie and I call upon fellow African Biochemists and Scientists to start thinking SOLUTIONS and not employment,” he wrote.
He concluded his tribute by expressing sadness over the actor’s reported death and insisting that more could have been done to prolong his life.
“Rest in Peace Alex. The world failed you,” he stated.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official confirmation from Alexx Ekubo’s family or management regarding the reports of his death.