By Ayomide Otitoju
The Care. Organization. Public. Enlightenment (C.O.P.E) marked three decades of advocacy in breast cancer awareness, early detection, and survivor support with a commemorative event at the Marriott Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.
The ceremony brought together healthcare professionals, survivors, donors, and corporate partners, led by Polaris Bank, C.O.P.E’s longstanding lead sponsor.
Emeritus Professor Osato Giwa Osagie, Chairman of C.O.P.E’s Board of Trustees, recalled his first meeting with the organisation’s founder, Mrs. Ebunola Anozie, describing her as “a persuasive and passionate woman whose vision has changed the narrative of breast health in Nigeria.” He highlighted C.O.P.E’s initiatives, including free monthly breast screenings, prosthetic bras, and financial support for women in need.
“In the last ten years, we have witnessed remarkable progress in breast cancer survival in Nigeria, thanks to early detection and consistent education,” Professor Giwa Osagie said. “We have also begun importing breast supplements for women who have undergone mastectomy, available at the C.O.P.E Centre, to help them regain confidence and comfort.” He added that plans are underway to establish a permanent C.O.P.E Centre, featuring a screening unit, conference hall, and residential facility for women undergoing treatment or recovery.
Mrs. Ebunola Anozie, Founder and CEO of C.O.P.E, shared how personal loss inspired the organisation. “C.O.P.E was born out of grief, but it became my way of transforming pain into purpose,” she said. “From a modest awareness campaign in 1995, we have grown into a national movement that has educated millions and provided life-saving early detection services for thousands of women. Yet, our work is far from done. We need a permanent home where every woman can find hope, healing, and care.”
The founder expressed gratitude to Polaris Bank and other corporate partners for supporting C.O.P.E’s mission over the years.
A key moment of the evening was the testimony of breast cancer survivor Mrs. Agatha Obi, who credited C.O.P.E with saving her life. “In 2011, I was told I had breast cancer and would need a mastectomy. It was devastating,” she said. “But through C.O.P.E, I found courage, community, and hope. Thirteen years later, I am alive, thriving, and grateful for this organisation that stood by me when I needed it most.”
Representing Polaris Bank’s Managing Director, Mrs. Bukola Oluyadi reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to C.O.P.E. “Reaching three decades of dedicated service and advocacy is no small feat. C.O.P.E has been a beacon of hope, empowerment, and positive change in our society. Polaris Bank remains committed to advancing the fight against breast cancer through awareness, early detection, and sustained care,” she said.
The 30th-anniversary celebration concluded with renewed pledges from partners and donors to support the creation of a permanent C.O.P.E Centre, envisioned as a national hub of hope and care for women across Nigeria.
