Connect with us

NEWS

Cancer Care: Polaris Bank celebrates with C.O.P.E on 30 Years of Hope, Impact, and Partnership

Published

on

Photo caption:L-R: Bukola Oluyadi, GH, Customer Expweience & Value management, Polaris Bank; Ebunola Anozie, Founder/CEO, C.O.P.E; Sandra Okoli, Sector Lead, Telecomms, Power and Infrastructure, Polaris Bank at the C.O.P.E’s 30th Anniversary Celebration in Lagos recently.

Lagos, Nigeria — The Care. Organization. Public. Enlightenment (C.O.P.E) has marked three decades of pioneering work in breast cancer awareness, early detection, and survivor support with a commemorative event held at the Marriott Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.

The ceremony brought together healthcare professionals, survivors, donors, and corporate partners, led by Polaris Bank, the organisation’s longstanding partner and lead sponsor.

Speaking at the event, Emeritus Professor Osato Giwa Osagie, Chairman of C.O.P.E’s Board of Trustees, recounted his first meeting with the Founder, Mrs. Ebunola Anozie, describing her as “a persuasive and passionate woman whose vision has changed the narrative of breast health in Nigeria.” He noted that COPE has become a national force for awareness and care, providing free monthly breast screenings, prosthetic bras, and financial assistance to 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 specifically for women who have undergone mastectomy, available right here at the C.O.P.E Centre, to help them regain confidence and comfort.” He emphasised that the organisation’s next milestone would be the establishment of a permanent C.O.P.E Centre, complete with a screening unit, conference hall, and residential facility for women undergoing treatment or recovery.

In her remarks, Mrs. Ebunola Anozie, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of C.O.P.E, reflected on how personal loss birthed a purpose that has endured for 30 years. “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.”

She expressed gratitude to Polaris Bank and other corporate partners whose support, she said, “has kept C.O.P.E’s mission alive and expanding through every economic season.”

A highlight of the evening was the moving testimony of Mrs. Agatha Obi, a breast cancer survivor who discovered C.O.P.E during her treatment. “In 2011, I was told I had breast cancer and would need a mastectomy. It was devastating,” she recalled. “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 the Managing Director of Polaris Bank, Mrs. Bukola Oluyadi delivered a goodwill message reaffirming the Bank’s partnership with C.O.P.E. She noted that Polaris Bank is “deeply proud to stand beside an organisation whose work embodies compassion, resilience, and impact.” In her address, she said:

“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. At Polaris Bank, we remain committed to advancing the fight against breast cancer through awareness, early detection, and sustained care. Together, we will continue to empower women, strengthen families, and transform communities.”

Mrs. Oluyadi commended the C.O.P.E team for their enduring commitment to public enlightenment and healthcare access, assuring that Polaris Bank will remain a steadfast partner in driving initiatives that touch lives and promote national well-being.

The 30th anniversary celebration concluded with renewed pledges from partners and donors to support the organisation’s vision of building a permanent COPE Centre, a symbol of hope for women across Nigeria.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

NEWS

Governor Dauda Lawal Chairs Security Council Meeting, Vows Unprecedented Support for Frontline Troops

Published

on

By

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering resolve to back security forces in the ongoing campaign against insurgency, banditry and other violent crimes plaguing the state.Presiding over the weekly State Security Council meeting on Thursday, June 25, at the Government House in Gusau, the governor convened the state’s top security brass for a high-level strategic session aimed at recalibrating the state’s counter-insurgency approach.In a terse but firm statement, Governor Lawal disclosed that deliberations centered on reinforcing troop deployments in high-risk zones, fast-tracking intelligence-sharing mechanisms and overhauling rapid-response protocols to better safeguard civilian populations.”I want to make it clear to every service commander in this room; the welfare and operational readiness of our troops remain non-negotiable. My administration stands ready to authorize every required resource logistical, material and otherwise to ensure they operate at full capacity,” Lawal declared.The governor underscored that his foremost priority remains the restoration of lasting peace across Zamfara and he assured security chiefs of his open-door policy, urging them to channel operational needs directly to his office without bureaucratic bottlenecks.With the meeting concluding, sources indicate that concrete action plans are being finalized to boost joint task force patrols and community intelligence networks, signaling a renewed offensive push in the coming weeks.

Continue Reading

NEWS

Breaking Barriers, Building Legacies: Fiona Ahmed Ahimie Launches LEADHER Mentorship Session to Inspire the Next Generation of Female leaders

Published

on

By

Lagos, Nigeria – June 2026 – As part of activities leading up to her investiture as the 14th President of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) and the first female President in the Institute’s history, Dr. Fiona Ahmed Ahimie, Managing Director of First Securities Brokers Limited, hosted the inaugural LeadHER Mentorship Session on Thursday, June 18, 2026.The session, themed “Leading with Purpose, Breaking Barriers, Building Legacy,” brought together emerging female professionals and aspiring leaders from across various industries for an engaging afternoon of mentorship, learning, and empowerment.The LeadHER Mentorship Session was designed to provide participants with practical insights into leadership, career advancement, personal development, and navigating challenges in the traditionally male-dominated sectors. Through candid conversations and shared experiences, attendees gained valuable perspectives on building successful careers while creating lasting impact within their organizations and communities.Speaking at the event, Dr. Ahimie noted that leadership is not merely about achieving personal success but about creating pathways for others to thrive.”Throughout my professional journey, I have benefited from the guidance, support, and encouragement of remarkable mentors. The LeadHER Mentorship Session is an opportunity to pay that forward by equipping and inspiring the next generation of women to pursue excellence, embrace leadership opportunities, and break barriers with confidence,” she said.The mentorship session forms part of a broader commitment to advancing female participation and leadership within Nigeria’s financial services industry and the wider corporate ecosystem. It also reflects Dr. Ahimie’s longstanding dedication to talent development, professional excellence, and inclusive leadership.The event provided a platform for meaningful dialogue, networking, and knowledge sharing.Dr. Ahimie’s investiture as President of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers marks a historic milestone for the Institute and the Nigerian capital market, underscoring the growing role of women in shaping the future of the financial services industry.

Continue Reading

NEWS

Insecurity: Governor Dauda Lawal Commends Troops for Recovering Ammunitions, Rustled Cattle

Published

on

By

Zamfara State Executive Governor, Dr Dauda Lawal has commended the troops for their efforts and commitment to the fight against banditry in the state.On Saturday, the Violence Crime Response Unit (VCRU) of the Zamfara Police Command successfully recovered 329 cattle and 175 sheep from bandits in the Gambanda forest in Gummi Local Government.Governor Lawal, while appreciating the troops, described the Zamfara State Police’s renewed efforts as encouraging and promising in the fight against banditry.He said, “I commend the effort of all the security operatives in Zamfara State, especially the Zamfara State Police Command, for its resilience, bravery and commitment in recovering 329 cattle, 175 sheep, weapons and ammunition from bandits.”The police engaged and overpowered the bandits in Gambanda forest in Gummi local government area, which led to the recovery.”This commendable action reflects their tireless work in the face of challenges posed by criminal elements and underscores the police’s role in protecting the livelihoods of the people of Zamfara State.”The remarkable display of bravery and the successful recovery of livestock and weapons highlight the strong leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Muhammad Bello. His guidance has been instrumental in improving public safety and combating banditry.”My administration remains committed to providing support to all security agencies in their efforts to ensure safety and security for our people.”

Continue Reading

Trending

Mega Awareness 2023