Polaris Bank Partners with C.O.P.E to Celebrate 30 Years of Saving Lives, Breast Cancer Awareness

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

The event brought together healthcare experts, survivors, donors, and corporate allies, with Polaris Bank, the organization’s longstanding partner and key sponsor taking center stage in commemorating this significant milestone.

In his address, Emeritus Professor Osato Giwa Osagie, Chairman of C.O.P.E’s Board of Trustees, reflected on his first encounter with founder Mrs. Ebunola Anozie, praising her as “a passionate visionary whose dedication has revolutionized breast health in Nigeria.” He highlighted that C.O.P.E has grown into a national force, offering free monthly breast screenings, prosthetic bras, and financial aid to women in need.

“Over the past ten years, Nigeria has seen remarkable improvements in breast cancer survival rates, thanks to early detection and ongoing education,” Professor Osagie stated. “We are also now importing breast prosthetics for women post-mastectomy, available at the C.O.P.E Centre, to help restore confidence and comfort.” He announced plans to establish a permanent C.O.P.E Centre featuring screening facilities, a conference hall, and accommodation for women undergoing treatment or recovery.

Founder and CEO Mrs. Ebunola Anozie shared an emotional reflection on how personal loss fueled her lifelong mission. “C.O.P.E was born from grief but transformed into a purpose that endures,” she said. “Starting as a modest awareness campaign in 1995, we’ve grown into a national movement educating millions and saving countless lives through early detection. Our next goal is to have a dedicated centre—a sanctuary of hope, healing, and care for every woman.”

She expressed gratitude to Polaris Bank and other partners whose unwavering support has sustained and expanded C.O.P.E’s life-saving work through the years.

A poignant highlight was the heartfelt testimony of Mrs. Agatha Obi, a breast cancer survivor who found hope through C.O.P.E. “In 2011, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and faced a mastectomy,” she recalled. “It was overwhelming. But through C.O.P.E, I found community, courage, and hope. Thirteen years later, I am alive and thriving, grateful for the support I received during my darkest days.”

Representing Polaris Bank’s Managing Director, Mrs. Bukola Oluyadi delivered a message of ongoing commitment, affirming the bank’s pride in partnering with C.O.P.E. She stated:

“Reaching 30 years of dedicated service and advocacy is a remarkable achievement. C.O.P.E has been a beacon of hope, resilience, and societal impact. At Polaris Bank, we remain committed to supporting the fight against breast cancer through awareness, early detection, and continuous care. Together, we will empower women, strengthen families, and uplift communities.”

Mrs. Oluyadi praised the C.O.P.E team for their unwavering dedication to public enlightenment and healthcare access, promising that Polaris Bank will continue to champion initiatives that save lives and promote national well-being.

The celebration concluded with renewed pledges from partners and donors to support C.O.P.E’s vision of establishing a permanent Centre, a symbol of hope for women across Nigeria.