15 years and counting: C.O.P.E Founder, Ebunola Anozie lauds Polaris Bank for supporting fight against cancer
Founder/CEO, Care Organisation Public Enlightenment (C.O.P.E), Mrs Ebunola Anozie has lauded Polaris Bank for supporting the organisation’s fight and advocacy against cancer over 15 years and counting.
C.O.P.E is a cancer-focused non-profit organisation established in 1995 to help in reducing the mortality rate of breast cancer through advocacy, treatment, research and education.
The World Cancer Day is an international day marked globally on February 4 yearly to raise awareness of cancer and to encourage its prevention, detection, and treatment. The theme of this year’s WCD is “United by Unique.”
The founder at a commemorative event held at the COPE office in Lagos on last Tuesday to mark the 2025 World Cancer Day said cancer is not discriminatory and therefore requires all hands to be on deck to fight it head-on.
She explained that in its almost 30-year journey, COPE has remained resolute in fighting for the lives of women and reducing number of breast cancer-related deaths in the country.
“Cancer does not discriminate. It touches lives across all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life. Each of us here has either experienced it firsthand, supported a loved one through it, or know someone affected by this disease, But today, as we remember those we have lost and celebrate those who continue to fight, we must also reaffirm our commitment to action and hope.
Nearly thirty years ago, our journey began with a single mission: to serve the vulnerable, fight for the lives of women, and reduce the heartbreaking number of breast cancer-related deaths in Nigeria. What started as a vision has grown into a movement, touching thousands of lives. We are profoundly grateful to everyone who has walked this path with us,” she said.
Anozie noted that Polaris Bank’s long-term commitment to the fight against cancer, has given thousands of women hope and a second chance to live normal life again.
“To our donors and partners, including our incredible long-term partner Polaris Bank, I say a big thank you. Your unwavering support has made a difference in the lives of many women in Nigeria, given many a fighting chance, and restored hope. Your generosity has been a lifeline for so many who otherwise would have had no access to quality breast-health Care.”
In her remarks, Group Head, Customer Experience & Value Management at Polaris Bank, Bukola Oluyadi who also oversees Sustainability, said the Bank is proud to partner with COPE in the fight against cancer being its single largest, long term dedicated financier and Partner supporting its work for over 15 years and still counting.
Reeling out the Bank’s scorecard in the fight/advocacy against the disease in partnership with COPE over the years, Oluyadi said Polaris Bank “Screened over 22,000 women, including female staff, customers of the Bank and members of the public through our cancer prevention intervention program;
“Bought and donated an acre of Land with Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) for COPE’s Future Permanent Complex to be named after the Bank.
“Donated three ultra-modern breast cancer screening machines (including a mobile one) to enhance quality diagnosis and clinical practices; Sponsored the treatment of over 30 indigent cancer patients;
“Organized/Partnered with C.O.PE to plan and execute a 10-km/6-km walk with over 3,100 participants in Lagos to draw public attention to the breast cancer scourge and advocating for healthy lifestyle;
“Hosted over 100 Cancer Survivors to end-of-year Party to enable them draw strength from lessons through experience sharing, with pledge to give more support for their welfare;
“Donated a dedicated and fully-equipped cancer screening room at C.O.P.E;
“Donated large quantity of prosthesis (artificial breast bra) for cancer survivors to enhance their esteem and confidence;
“Instituted monthly breast cancer screening exercise in the last three years where the Bank female staff and customers and members of the public get opportunity for FREE breast cancer screening at C.O.PE;
“Seeks reduction in reported cases of cancer in Nigeria through increased awareness and advocacy especially during the month of February and October every year;
“Encourage staff of the Bank to commit their time and resources and Volunteer to serve in health-related activities especially in areas of Cancer advocacy and administrative support for relevant NGOs in the space.
She explained that the Bank also “fully sponsored C.O.PE delegates to a global Cancer Conference in Atlanta in United States of America.”
