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July 23, 2018 Press Release

The Managing Director/CEO of Unity Bank plc, Mrs. Tomi Somefun has commended the Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN) as she led this year’s BRECAN Jog for life Charity Walk in Lagos aimed at sensitizing the public and increasing momentum on the multi-sector approach targeted at curbing the spread of Breast Cancer in Nigeria.

In her address to participants, Mrs. Somefun lauded BRECAN for sustaining and expanding the reach of the breast cancer campaign to many states of the federation and far flung communities, adding that “the collaborative platform is a potent vehicle to reach out to significant number of people with critical information that will accelerate both separate and concerted individual, Corporate and Governmental action needed to focus attention and increase intervention to curb the spread of breast cancer in our society”.

“For us at Unity Bank Plc, our commitment and support to the cause of fighting the scourge of Breast Cancer stems from the Bank’s  CSR  philosophy which is to constantly promote initiatives aimed at preserving, restoring, enhancing and  making  meaningful  and measurable  impact  in  the  lives  of economically,  physically  and  socially  challenged communities in which we operate by  supporting and creating  conditions suitable for sustainable livelihood in these communities” Somefun stated.

“As a corporate organization, we share great concern on the high prevalence of Breast Cancer. Available statistics reveal that 1 out of 8 women develop invasive cancer during the course of their lifetime. Globally, cancer is responsible for 8 million deaths, 70 percent of these figure comes from developing countries. Many resourceful Nigerians have fallen victim of this ailment”, the Unity Bank boss has said.

She added that the Bank’s involvement is targeted at encouraging effective response through massive awareness campaigns to confront unhelpful cultural beliefs and practices that negate early detection and prevent patients from seeking early medical attention from care givers.

She advised that the situation demands adoption of healthy lifestyle, regular clinical examination, self-examination as well as mammogram in order to be aware of the risk factors, prevention and early detection of Breast Cancer which is crucial to the survival of patients.

Jog for life is a 5km Walk organized every October by BRECAN to raise awareness on breast cancer, celebrate survivorship and raise funds for BRECAN projects. In 2012, the Jog for life in Lagos and Ibadan were led by Her Excellency, Dame Abimbola Fashola, wife of former Governor of Lagos State and Chief (Mrs.) Titilayo- Tomori, Deputy Governor, Osun state respectively.  The maiden edition in Abeokuta was led by Her Excellency, Mrs Olufunsho Amosun, wife of the Governor of Ogun State.