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| Mrs. Ebunola Anozie, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Care. Organization. Public. Enlightenment (C.O.P.E) |
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Lagos State Chapter, has named Mrs. Ebunola Anozie, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Care. Organization. Public. Enlightenment (C.O.P.E), as its Iconic Woman of the Month for October.
The recognition coincides with October’s Cancer Awareness Month and honours Anozie’s more than three decades of advocacy for breast cancer awareness, early detection and support for women in Nigeria.
According to NAWOJ Lagos, Anozie’s journey into cancer advocacy was influenced by the loss of both her parents to cancer. She subsequently transitioned from the financial sector and channelled her experience into building C.O.P.E., which has worked in community health and cancer awareness for more than 30 years.
Through C.O.P.E., Anozie has supported awareness campaigns, screening initiatives, counselling and community outreach aimed at encouraging women to pay greater attention to breast health and early detection.
The organisation has also developed support groups, volunteer networks and partnerships to assist women navigating screening, diagnosis and treatment.
Under Anozie’s leadership, C.O.P.E. has continued to promote the message that early detection can improve the chances of timely intervention, while expanding its outreach to communities.
The organisation is now pursuing a broader vision of reaching 10 million women through expanded education and outreach programmes over the next decade.
Chairperson of NAWOJ Lagos, Jumoke Falayi-Johnson, said the Iconic Woman of the Month platform was established to recognise women whose work and achievements can inspire others.
“The Iconic Woman of the Month platform was created to celebrate women of substance, character, and distinction whose remarkable strides inspire and challenge young women to maximise their potential and contribute meaningfully to society, and Mrs. Ebunola Anozie is a perfect fit for it,” Falayi-Johnson said.
As part of the recognition, NAWOJ Lagos has released a commemorative multimedia feature highlighting Anozie’s personal journey, advocacy work and activities with C.O.P.E.
The association also called on members of the public, stakeholders and partners to support efforts aimed at expanding cancer awareness, early detection and community-based support for women.
The October recognition places Anozie’s three-decade advocacy journey within a wider conversation about cancer awareness and the role of community-based initiatives in improving access to information and support.
