Frontline branding and public relations outfit, Zenera Consulting, marked its fifth anniversary with a cancer awareness walk themed ‘Hope Beats Cancer' on the 1st of December, 2018. The initiative was in partnership with Lakeshore Cancer Centre, Inspiration FM, Roding Healthcare Limited and the Federal Road Safety Corps. It was also supported by Indoor Designs, Westbrand Nigeria, Strategic Effects and Garden Splash.


The 2.8 kilometre walk from Inspiration FM to Muri Okunola Park, was well attended by Nigerian celebrities and famous figures in PR and the media space. Some of them included Television Presenter, Denrele Edun; Singer, Aramide; 2018 Mr. Universe Nigeria, Allison Nelson; Writer, Toni Kan; Artiste, Djinee; Music producer, Tee-Y Mix and Actor, Yomi Fash-Lanso. Other top personalities in attendance included The Elevation Church Lead Pastor, Godman Akinlabi and several CEOs. Also in attendance were ex-staff members and their loved ones; representatives of the company’s pensions management partner, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers; tax auditor, Adekunle Adeoye & Co Chartered Accountants and tax body, Lagos Inland Revenue Service.


The initiative was organised with a view to reducing the number of avoidable deaths stemming from a lack of awareness about the disease by demystifying the ailment which is often viewed as peculiar to the affluent. According to the Managing Partner of Zenera Consulting, Meka Olowola: ‘’We found a way to use our edge in branding for a good cause and cancer came as a valuable knowledge point for us considering the low level of awareness in Nigeria. A lot of people have watched helplessly as their loved ones succumbed to cancer’s cold hands. Most of these deaths could have been avoided if people are more aware of cancer symptoms and risk factors.”


‘’I lost my brother to Multiple Myeloma a few years back, and till he came down with it, I had never heard of it. Most people do not know beyond the common ones which are breast, prostate, colon and cervical cancer. And even for those ones, which are treatable, there is a paucity of information on prevention and the importance of screening. Once a person is diagnosed, in addition to treatment, there is need for hope, faith, to increase one's chances for survival,” he added.


In a report dated 12 September, 2018, the World Health Organisation revealed that the most common cancers are cancers of the lung, prostate, colon and breast. Health experts say they are treatable if detected early. It is for this reason that the only private operational cancer centre in Nigeria, Lakeshore Cancer Centre, decided to take up partnership with Zenera on the project. ‘’In Nigeria, people should not be dying from preventable forms of cancer just because they are not aware until it reaches Stage Four,’’ Dr. Oge Ilegbune, the Head of Strategy at Lakeshore Cancer Centre said.


‘’As a cancer centre, we cannot be waiting for people to come through the doors at Stage Three and Four. We need to concentrate on education and awareness. When people get the right information, and they start talking about it, then they can start asking, "where can I go and do screening?’’ She stressed.


Health Maintenance Organisation (HMO) and Zenera Consulting’s official HMO provider, Roding Healthcare Limited, supported the campaign with its medical team and an ambulance. According to the company’s Medical Services Team Lead, Gbolade Ogunsan: “The fight against cancer is not restricted to any individual or organisation but should extend to everyone.”


Likewise, celebrities and guests in attendance commended the efforts of Zenera in raising awareness for cancer, while emphasising the importance of early detection and hope by individuals. According to multi-award-winning singer, Aramide, who lost an uncle to prostate cancer: ‘’If you feel anything strange in your body, go and get it checked out and take your health seriously, and whatever happens, just keep hoping.’’


Popular Nollywood actor, Yomi Fash-Lanso urged Nigerians to show more support for those living with or affected by cancer. ‘’We must know that cancer needs to be defeated. If you are living with it, just remember that you are not alone and hope beats cancer,’’ he said.


Furthermore, Pastor Godman Akinlabi of the Elevation Church expressed that the campaign also attempts to raise the hopes of those living with cancer, their loved ones and everybody who dread cancer with the belief that the disease will be defeated. Akinlabi expressed his hope that cancer will be defeated.


Buttressing the point was media consultant and award-winning writer, Toni Kan, who lost a brother to cancer about a decade ago. According to Kan: ‘’Cancer is something that may not kill you if you know on time. I feel people should be aware, check their health so that they can avoid it.’’


In addition to the awareness campaign, Zenera also organised a ‘Message of Hope’ copywriting contest on social media, which saw five winners emerge with a win of N30,000 each. The winners recited their copies at the venue before proceeding homes with their cheques.
The organisation will also be granting the wishes of five young cancer patients as parts of its celebrations.


Beside the cancer awareness campaign, Zenera performs numerous social investments, including but not limited to the sponsorship of two children at the Oladiran Olusegun Adebutu Foundation; the co-establishment of The Good Citizen Reading Club in public schools in partnership with CSR-in-Action and the anti-drug campaign with medical students at the KB Club in the University of Lagos, to name a few.


In 2017, Zenera was awarded the title of Most Inspiring Agency at the Marketing World Awards for its rapid growth and tailored solutions for its clients. It has a large talent pool of young professionals who professed to be having a great time learning and being given the opportunity to be creative, solution-driven and to excel.