As the saying goes, “A stitch in time saves nine,” a phrase that came alive when female professionals under the platform of Women in Advertising (WIA), a network of the Advertising Agencies Association of Nigeria (AAAN), took to the streets of Lagos for a groundbreaking health walk against breast cancer.

The initiative highlighted the importance of early detection and brought together advertising professionals, sectoral leaders, health experts, and survivors, all united by a shared mission  to save lives through awareness, timely checks, and advocacy.

The awareness walk began at Insight Redefini in Ikeja and passed through Opebi and Oregun before concluding at the AAAN Secretariat, where participants enjoyed health talks, screenings, and counseling sessions.

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The event symbolized unity and determination, serving as a reminder that breast cancer, though life-threatening, can be effectively managed with early detection.

According to the National Institute of Health, Nigeria recorded 27,304 breast cancer cases and 13,960 deaths in 2012, with projections indicating 52,728 new cases by 2035 — a clear call for urgent preventive action.

 

Medical Expert Urges Early Detection and Healthy Living

Addressing participants, the facilitator, a medical expert, delivered an enlightening session on breast cancer awareness and prevention.

She discussed the stages, symptoms, and treatment processes involved in managing the disease, stressing that “breast cancer is a major health concern globally, and Nigeria is no exception.

However, with early detection and proper treatment, survival rates can increase significantly.” She urged women to prioritize routine screenings and self-examinations. The doctor also emphasised the role of nutrition and lifestyle in prevention, adding that “our daily choices from diet to physical activity   play a crucial role in reducing the risk of breast cancer.”

 

Industry Leaders Advocate for Collective Responsibility

Oluwaseyi Layade, Chairperson of Women in Advertising and Chief Operating Officer at Leo Burnett, explained that the walk was designed to empower women to take control of their health.

“We want women to know that if they speak out and get help on time, they can overcome breast cancer,” she said. “As the saying goes, a stitch in time saves nine.

Early detection is key, and health must always come first.” She noted that WIA’s goal is to use industry influence to inspire meaningful social change while fostering a culture of support among women.

Similarly, Lanre Adisa, President of AAAN, described the initiative as one of the association’s most purposeful drives in recent times. “It’s an initiative that AAAN has always done, but this year we brought in other sectoral groups, making it an industry-wide effort,” he said. “We can’t just build brands; we must be meaningful and purposeful in building communities and lives.” Adisa commended WIA’s consistency and urged other corporate organizations to emulate such efforts. “Breast cancer is a challenge that touches us all, as friends, families, and colleagues. Advocacy, empathy, and action must be part of our collective responsibility.”

 

Women Across Sectors Champion the Movement

Other notable participants included Tolulope Medebem, President of EXMAN; Sola Antwi, Chief Operating Officer of Divergent Marketing Services; and Agnes Ailuelohia, General Manager of First Katalyst Limited.

Their participation reinforced the collective power of women across Nigeria’s advertising space, cut  from the Experiential Marketers Association of Nigeria (EXMAN) to the Media Independent Practitioners Association of Nigeria (MIPAN), Out-of-Home Advertising Association of Nigeria (OAAN), and the Advertising Agencies Association of Nigeria (AAAN).

Adeola Adesanya, Coordinator of the Women in Out-of-Home Advertising Network (WOHAN), commended WIA for prioritizing women’s wellness. “Sincerely, we’re going to get there,” she said. “This is a humble beginning, and thank you for bringing this to the fore. We’ve seen how breast cancer affects families and communities, and we must continue to create awareness and provide support. This movement is just the beginning.”

 

Calls for Continuous Engagement and Inclusion

In her remarks, Brenda Nwagwu, Vice President of MIPAN and Committee Member of Women in Advertising, called on organizations to institutionalize female-centered health initiatives. “Early detection leads and early action because you can detect and do nothing,” she warned.

She stressed the need for structured corporate support systems for survivors and their families, noting that “corporates must be intentional about women’s health by integrating awareness programs, screening campaigns, and emotional support systems for staff and communities.”

Likewise, Priscilla Okon, Committee Member of Women in Advertising, reinforced the call for inclusiveness and continued engagement across the industry. “Our association is people-centered, and also inclusive in nature. We’re committed to making a difference in the lives of members and the community,” she said. “We’ll continue to prioritize breast cancer awareness and advocacy, and we encourage agencies to adopt health-focused initiatives as part of their annual calendar. Professionals can only thrive when they’re in good health.”

A Walk That Inspired Hope and Unity

The event ended with medical screenings, counseling sessions, and networking that strengthened industry ties and highlighted the shared responsibility of promoting wellness.

The impressive turnout reflected the passion, unity, and leadership of women across Nigeria’s advertising ecosystem.

Indeed, the Women in Advertising Health Walk proved that a stitch in time truly saves nine,  and when women walk together with purpose, they create a movement that saves lives and strengthens communities.

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