The Care Organisation Public Enlightenment has celebrated its 30th anniversary, marking three decades of sustained advocacy, early detection services and survivor support for women battling breast cancer in Nigeria. The commemorative event, held in Lagos, brought together healthcare professionals, survivors, partners and supporters, with Polaris Bank leading as the organisation’s long-term sponsor.
At the event, the Chairman of C.O.P.E.’s Board of Trustees, Emeritus Professor Osato Osagie, reflected on how the organisation has shaped breast health awareness across the country. He recalled his first encounter with the founder, Mrs Ebunola Anozie, describing her as a passionate woman whose vision has transformed breast cancer education and support in Nigeria.
Prof. Osagie said the organisation has recorded significant progress in the last decade, especially in improving survival rates through early detection and continuous public education. He revealed that C.O.P.E. has also begun importing special breast supplements for women who have undergone mastectomy, making them available at the organisation’s centre to help survivors regain comfort and confidence during recovery.
He explained that the next major ambition for C.O.P.E. is the establishment of a permanent centre. According to him, the new facility will include a screening unit, a conference hall and residential accommodation for women undergoing treatment or post-surgery recovery. He noted that the centre will serve as a safe space for women in need of medical support, counselling and community.
In her remarks, the founder and Chief Executive Officer of C.O.P.E., Mrs Ebunola Anozie, shared how the loss of a loved one to breast cancer inspired her to start the organisation in 1995. She said what began as a small awareness campaign has grown into a national movement that has educated millions of Nigerians and supported thousands of women through early detection services.
She explained that the past 30 years have been driven by a commitment to saving lives, offering hope and ensuring that women have access to timely information and care. Anozie stressed that the work is far from over, adding that the dream of a permanent home for the organisation remains a central priority.
She expressed appreciation to Polaris Bank and other supporters whose contributions, she said, sustained the organisation through different economic challenges. She described their commitment as a major force behind C.O.P.E.’s growth and continuity.
A touching moment at the anniversary event came from the testimony of Mrs Agatha Obi, a breast cancer survivor who shared her journey. She narrated how she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011 and faced the difficult decision of undergoing a mastectomy. She said discovering C.O.P.E. during her treatment gave her strength and emotional support at a time of uncertainty.
Mrs Obi said that 13 years after her diagnosis, she remains healthy and grateful to the organisation for providing the guidance and community she needed. Her story drew emotional reactions from participants and highlighted the impact of survivor support on healing.
Representing the Managing Director of Polaris Bank, Mr Kayode Lawal, the bank’s official, Mrs Bukola Oluyadi, delivered a goodwill message reaffirming the institution’s continued partnership with C.O.P.E. She commended the organisation for its resilience, impact and dedication to public enlightenment on breast health.
Oluyadi noted that reaching 30 years of continuous service is an important achievement, especially for an organisation built on advocacy, education and compassion. She said Polaris Bank remains committed to initiatives that promote women’s health, strengthen families and support community well-being.
She praised the team at C.O.P.E. for their long-standing dedication to building awareness, encouraging early testing and providing emotional support to women affected by cancer. She gave assurances that the bank will continue working with the organisation to expand life-saving programs and promote public health across Nigeria.
As the event ended, participants reflected on how far C.O.P.E. has come in shaping national awareness on breast cancer. Many expressed hope that the next decade will see the realisation of the permanent centre project and wider access to early detection services. The anniversary celebration served as a reminder of the power of advocacy, the importance of community support and the impact long-term partnerships can have on improving health outcomes for women across the country.
