By Abiodun JIMOH
In a continued effort to sustain the momentum of the Pink October breast cancer awareness campaign, SUNU Assurances Nigeria Plc and SUNU Health Nigeria Limited, both members of the pan-African SUNU Group, partnered with H₂O Wellness Foundation, a non-governmental organisation, to support The Pink Mic 2026 wellness initiative.
The event, which was held on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at HealthRite Medical & Wellness Centre, Lekki, Lagos, focused on promoting breast cancer awareness, prevention, and early detection among women, particularly professionals in the media and broadcasting industry.
More than 60 female media practitioners benefited from the breast cancer screening, expert health consultations, and valuable preventive health information during the event.
The initiative was designed to equip participants with the knowledge needed to make informed health decisions while empowering them to amplify breast cancer awareness and prevention messages through their various media platforms.
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Japari Yusuf, Head, Corporate Services, SUNU Assurances Nigeria Plc, expressed delight at the partnership and reaffirmed the commitment of SUNU Assurances and SUNU Health to improving the health and well-being of communities.
“It is a pleasure and privilege to be here on behalf of SUNU Assurances Nigeria Plc and SUNU Health Nigeria as we come together for a cause that touches lives, families, workplaces, and communities,” she said.
Mrs. Yusuf emphasized that breast health should become a normal part of everyday conversations among mothers, daughters, sisters, colleagues, friends, and loved ones, rather than a topic surrounded by fear, stigma, or silence.
She encouraged media practitioners to use their platforms responsibly by making breast health discussions accessible, respectful, and free from misconceptions.
She urged them to share credible information, engage qualified healthcare professionals, and encourage women to seek professional medical advice instead of relying on rumours or unverified remedies.
According to her, SUNU Assurances and SUNU Health understand that corporate responsibility extends beyond the products and services the companies provide.
As organisations operating within the insurance and healthcare sectors, they recognize the importance of protection, preparedness, access to quality healthcare, and peace of mind.
She noted that through the SUNU Group’s Pink October campaign, both organisations were proud to serve as lead sponsors of The Pink Mic 2026 in collaboration with H₂O Wellness Foundation. She added that the partnership reflects a strong commitment to corporate social responsibility and a belief that businesses can play a meaningful role in improving the well-being of the communities they serve.
“For us, corporate social responsibility is not simply about making a contribution or associating our brand with an event. It is about supporting initiatives that address real needs, encourage positive change, and empower people to make informed decisions about their health and well-being,” she stated.
Mrs. Yusuf further explained that by supporting The Pink Mic 2026, SUNU Assurances and SUNU Health were helping to create a platform where women could access vital health information, interact with experts, participate in wellness activities, and become more conscious of the importance of preventive healthcare. She also expressed satisfaction that the initiative brought together women in the media, whose voices and influence would help extend the campaign’s impact far beyond the event.
Highlighting the consistency of the Pink October initiative, Mrs Yusuf revealed that the campaign commenced in 2024 when 100 women benefited from free breast cancer screening and mammogram.
In 2025, another 150 women were screened, while this year’s collaboration with H₂O Wellness Foundation focused on empowering female media professionals with accurate information and preventive healthcare knowledge that can be shared with wider audiences.
In her opening remarks, Janet Karz Joshua, Convener of The Pink Mic, commended SUNU Assurances and SUNU Health for their unwavering support towards advancing breast cancer awareness and prevention. She praised the organisations for believing in the vision of The Pink Mic and partnering with H₂O Wellness Foundation to expand education, advocacy, and access to preventive healthcare for women.
A representative of Pearl Oncology Specialist Hospital also delivered a presentation on breast cancer prevention, early detection, and the importance of routine screening in reducing the burden of the disease.
Also speaking at the event, Dr. Uchenna Anekwuonye of HealthRite Medical & Wellness Centre stressed the importance of preventive healthcare and healthy lifestyle choices. She encouraged participants to embrace self-care while avoiding self-medication, noting that many individuals often consume medications without proper diagnosis.
She cautioned that many people take medications without actually knowing the true illness and advised participants to always consult qualified healthcare professionals before taking treatment for any medical condition.
According to her, one of the fastest ways to put lives at risk is through the indiscriminate sharing of prescribed medications.
Dr. Anekwuonye further highlighted the six pillars of preventive healthcare, which include proper nutrition, regular physical activity, effective stress management, quality sleep, avoidance of harmful substances, and social connectedness.
She also encouraged women to incorporate various forms of exercise into their routines, including resistance training, aerobic exercises, flexibility exercises, and balance training, all of which contribute to long-term health and well-being.
The event concluded with breast cancer screenings, wellness conversations, and a renewed call for women to prioritize preventive healthcare and early detection as essential tools in the fight against breast cancer.
Through initiatives such as The Pink Mic, organisers and partners reaffirmed their commitment to creating healthier communities via awareness, education, and access to care.
