By Bilesanmi Abayomi
The Chairman of BetNaija and Chief Executive Officer of ValueJet, Kunle Soname, has announced plans to construct and deliver a new Area Police Command and a state-of-the-art cancer treatment centre in Ikenne, Ogun State, as part of activities marking his 60th birthday.
The philanthropist made the announcement during the foundation-laying ceremonies for both projects, describing them as strategic interventions aimed at strengthening security infrastructure and improving access to quality healthcare in the community.
Speaking at the site of the proposed police facility, Soname said the project would be completed and handed over to the Ogun State Police Command by the first Saturday in November 2026. He noted that the initiative followed approval from the Inspector-General of Police for the establishment of an Area Command in Ikenne.
According to him, the facility will include administrative offices as well as residential accommodation for both junior and senior officers, spread across three buildings.
“When developments like this happen, it enhances safety. For those of us who live and work here, security is fundamental. No meaningful development can take place without it,” he said.
He added that the project is a personal commitment by him and his family to contribute to the safety and stability of the area.
At a separate event, Soname also laid the foundation for the Soname Memorial Cancer Centre, a project he described as a long-term investment in Nigeria’s healthcare system.
Located behind the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, the centre is expected to be completed within 18 months and will provide comprehensive oncology services, including radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgical care.
Soname explained that the initiative is designed to address the growing burden of medical tourism, particularly for cancer treatment, which he said accounts for a significant proportion of Nigerians seeking care abroad.
He noted that the centre would be equipped with modern medical technology and supported by long-term maintenance arrangements to ensure sustainability—an issue that has affected similar facilities in the past.
“All necessary equipment for the take-off of the centre is already available and will be installed once construction is completed,” he said.
Activities marking his 60th birthday also included special prayer sessions led by Islamic clerics at his residence, as well as novelty football matches involving former Nigerian internationals, Remo All Stars, and youth academy teams.
The projects, alongside the celebratory events, underscore Soname’s continued influence across business, sports development, and philanthropy, while reinforcing his commitment to community-focused investments.