Lagos, Nigeria — Care. Organization. Public. Enlightenment (C.O.P.E) celebrated 30 years of breast-cancer awareness, early detection and survivor support at the Marriott Hotel, Ikeja, with Polaris Bank as lead sponsor.
The anniversary gathered healthcare professionals, survivors, donors and corporate partners to recognise C.O.P.E’s steady growth from a small awareness initiative in 1995 into a national voice for breast health. The organisation provides free monthly screenings, prosthetic bras and financial support for women undergoing treatment.
C.O.P.E’s Board Chair, Emeritus Prof. Osato Giwa-Osagie reflected on the founder’s vision and the organisation’s progress, noting improved survival rates linked to early detection and steady public education. He also announced plans to establish a permanent C.O.P.E Centre — featuring a screening unit, conference hall and recovery residence — to expand services and support for patients.
Founder and CEO Ebunola Anozie described C.O.P.E as a mission born from personal loss and sustained by community support. She thanked Polaris Bank and other partners for keeping the charity’s programs running across economic cycles and called for continued backing to realise the permanent centre.
A survivor’s testimony underscored C.O.P.E’s impact: a woman who received support during her 2011 mastectomy shared how the organisation helped her rebuild life and hope.
Representing Polaris Bank, a senior executive reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to C.O.P.E’s goals, promising ongoing support for awareness campaigns, screening drives and community outreach.
The event closed with renewed pledges from corporate and individual donors to fund the planned C.O.P.E Centre and extend services nationwide.
