Port Harcourt witnessed a vibrant show of solidarity as Engraced Life Foundation hosted the 4th annual PinkNaija Walk to Fight Breast Cancer, which this year also coincided with the Foundation’s 5th anniversary. The event drew survivors, health professionals, community groups, corporate organisations, NGOs, influencers, and hundreds of residents who joined hands to amplify the message of early detection, support, and collective responsibility in the fight against breast cancer.
Addressing participants, the State Coordinator of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Abdulganiyu Giwa, commended Engraced Life Foundation for its dedication to screening and awareness, stressing that health is not just a personal issue but a collective right and responsibility. “The World Health Organization stands with you. We commend your commitment to making screening and health talks accessible, which is crucial to reducing the burden of breast cancer in Nigeria and beyond. This work is a message of hope and a powerful call to action for communities everywhere. Continue to champion the cause, support survivors, and advocate for stronger health systems. We will work with you physically and in spirit for a breast cancer–free future,” he declared.
Founder of Engraced Life Foundation, Mrs. Ethel Olomu, herself a 15-year breast cancer survivor, spoke emotionally about the silence, stigma, and myths she faced at the time of her diagnosis. “Because of the shame, some women when diagnosed can even go as far as taking their own lives. Some keep quiet until it is late stage, then it is no longer treatable. I am speaking because I don’t want any woman to go through the pain and torture I went through. It was really bad, but that is why I decided not to keep quiet,” she explained, urging women to seek help early.
Survivors and advocates echoed this message. Uchenna Nduka, who lost her mother to breast cancer but survived her own scare with a breast lump, emphasized the importance of swift action. Dayo Ojo, a 14-year survivor, added that “denial is dangerous; early detection and prompt treatment is the key to surviving.”
The day’s activities went beyond the awareness walk. Participants benefited from free breast cancer screening, blood pressure and blood sugar checks, as well as malaria and typhoid tests, making the program a holistic community health intervention. Volunteer health workers and partner organisations manned service points, while influencers and supporters amplified the event on social media to encourage more women to prioritize their health.
Communities from across Rivers State, civic organisations, and corporate supporters were present, underscoring how far the message of Engraced Life Foundation has spread in just five years. The mix of survivors, professionals, and volunteers created an atmosphere of hope, advocacy, and shared purpose.
By combining testimonies, medical services, and mass mobilisation, the 4th PinkNaija Walk once again reminded Nigerians that breast cancer is not a death sentence if detected early. More importantly, the event affirmed the WHO’s call: that the fight against breast cancer is not for individuals alone but for everyone — a collective responsibility to ensure women are supported, screened, and saved.
