L-R: Head Coach, Tee Tumblers Gymnastics Club & Lagos State Gymnastics Club, Patrick Umoh; CEO, Tee Tumblers Gymnastics Club and Co-founder, Gymfest Championship 2.0, Yoyin Akpose; Creative Coach, Gymfest Championship 2.0, Oyegbata Chinedu; and Gymfest Program Coordinator, Faith Oaikhiena; flanked by some participants during the Gymfest Championship 2.0 sponsored by Fidelity Bank Plc and held in Lagos, recently.
The Care Organization Public Enlightenment (C.O.P.E), one of Nigeria’s leading non-profit groups dedicated to breast cancer awareness and early detection, has marked its 30th anniversary with a commemorative event that celebrated milestones, honoured survivors, and strengthened partnerships for future impact. The ceremony, held at the Marriott Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos, drew key stakeholders from the healthcare community, donors, and corporate supporters, led by Polaris Bank, C.O.P.E’s long-standing partner and principal sponsor.
Three Decades of Advocacy and Lifesaving Impact
Chairman of C.O.P.E’s Board of Trustees, Emeritus Professor Osato Giwa Osagie, reflected on the organisation’s evolution, describing founder Mrs. Ebunola Anozie as a visionary whose commitment has transformed breast health awareness across Nigeria.
He highlighted the organisation’s contributions, including free monthly breast screenings, prosthetic bra distribution, counselling, and financial support for underserved women.
“In the last decade, we have seen remarkable improvement in breast cancer survival because more women are detecting the disease early,” Prof. Giwa Osagie said. He also announced that C.O.P.E has begun importing specialised breast supplements for women who have undergone mastectomy, available at the organisation’s centre.
He added that C.O.P.E’s next strategic goal is to establish a permanent centre equipped with a screening unit, training hall, and accommodation for women undergoing treatment or recovery.
Founder Recalls Turning Grief Into Purpose
Founder and CEO, Mrs. Ebunola Anozie, recounted how her personal experience with loss inspired the creation of C.O.P.E in 1995.
“C.O.P.E was born out of grief, but it became a mission of hope,” she said. “Over 30 years, we have grown from a small awareness campaign into a national movement that has educated millions and provided life-saving early detection services for thousands.”
Anozie stressed the need for a dedicated facility to expand the organisation’s services, noting that “every woman deserves a place where she can find healing, support, and dignity.”
She expressed appreciation to Polaris Bank and other partners whose support has enabled C.O.P.E to sustain its mission despite economic challenges.
Survivor’s Story Underscores Power of Community Support
The event featured a moving testimonial from Mrs. Agatha Obi, a breast cancer survivor who first connected with C.O.P.E during her treatment in 2011.
“When I learned I needed a mastectomy, I was devastated,” she shared. “Through C.O.P.E, I found strength and hope. Thirteen years later, I am living proof that early detection and support make a difference.”
Her story received a standing ovation and reinforced the emotional and practical value of C.O.P.E’s programmes.
Polaris Bank Reaffirms Commitment to Women’s Health
Representing the Managing Director of Polaris Bank, Mrs. Bukola Oluyadi delivered a goodwill message reaffirming the bank’s continued partnership with C.O.P.E.
“Reaching 30 years of dedicated advocacy is a remarkable milestone,” she said. “C.O.P.E has remained a beacon of empowerment and hope, and Polaris Bank is proud to stand with an organisation making real impact in women’s lives.”
She pledged the bank’s sustained support for initiatives that promote early detection, public education, and improved access to care.
Renewed Commitment to Building a Permanent Centre
The anniversary celebration ended with renewed pledges from donors and partners to support C.O.P.E’s vision of building a permanent, world-class breast cancer support and screening centre. The planned facility is expected to significantly expand the organisation’s capacity to reach more women across Nigeria.
C.O.P.E and Polaris Bank marked 30 years of breast cancer advocacy in Nigeria with a commemorative event in Lagos, celebrating survivors and renewing commitments to build a permanent breast cancer centre.
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