By Jennifer Y Omiloli
Polaris Bank has shown its total support for breast cancer survivors in Nigeria by hosting 50 of them to an end-of-year get together.
The Group Managing Director/CEO of the bank, Tokunbo Abiru speaking at the function held at Sheraton Lagos Hotel, Ikeja recently, said the love and care demonstrated to breast cancer patients and survivors have enormous positive influence on their physical and mental wellbeing.
Abiru, who was represented by Mr. Segun Opeke, the Directorate Head, Lagos Business, Polaris Bank, stated that safety and healthcare is one of the pillars of Polaris Bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
He also stated that the bank in partnership with its CSR partner, Care Organisation Public Enlightenment (COPE), would continue to ensure reduction of breast cancer scourge in the country through increased awareness, advocacy and support for both patients and survivors.
“For us at Polaris Bank, our commitment to the fight against breast cancer is unwavering. We have consistently demonstrated this by drawing public awareness to the menace in addition to sponsoring free screening for women in conjunction with COPE Foundation.”
He revealed that over the last 10 years, the bank in partnership with COPE has covered four key milestones namely prevention, detection, treatment and advocacy.
According to him, these include provision of free screening opportunities for over 15,000 women including female staff members of the bank, and the donation of two ultra-modern breast cancer screening machines (LogiQ C2 and Mind Ray Ultra-Sound System) to enhance quality diagnosis and clinical practices.
Also speaking, Ebunola Anozie, the President/CEO of COPE, said the get-together was a platform to thank God for the life of the survivors and to appreciate Polaris Bank for its support to breast cancer patients in Nigeria.
“This year we decided to bring it here to say thank God and to exchange gifts as well. I also appreciate our sponsors, Polaris Bank; they have been with us for nearly 20 years now.” Anozie said.
“For some time, we had difficulty getting the required support for the women; some of our women used handkerchiefs, some used tissues to fill up their bras. But we thank God for the support of Polaris Bank. They were able to donate prosthesis that ensured they lived better lives.” He said.
A breast cancer survivor, Nnenna Obasi, in her testimonial disclosed that she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013, and by seeking immediate medical attention and with the support of family and organisations like COPE and Polaris Bank, she overcame the disease.
She also stressed the need for early detection and immediate medical attention as well as healthy feeding and healthy lifestyle including staying joyful as important steps to overcome breast cancer scourge.
Obasi added that being diagnosed with breast cancer did not indicate the end of life, and commended Polaris Bank and COPE for the support, care and encouragement to get back their life.
