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As the world commemorates breast cancer awareness in the month of October, 2021, one of Nigeria’s foremost manufacturers of beauty and skin care products, Manebody Cosmetics Limited, has donated 100 special perfectly scented natural pink sugar soap bars to breast cancer survivors in Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The pink sugar bars manufactured by the Abuja-based company, Manebody Cosmetics, were originally made for a breast cancer survivor who suffered skin issues as a side effect of chemotherapy.
The donation was made to breast cancer champions through Project Pink Blue, a non-government organization that engages in cancer awareness, free cancer screenings, support to people battling with cancer, patient navigation and advocacy in Nigeria.
Manebody Cosmetics is a manufacturer of natural cosmetics products (haircare and skincare), an eco-friendly, women-led, African owned company focused on helping consumers achieve and maintain healthy, glowing skin and hair.
The Chief Executive Officer of the company, Jennifer Jones, while making the donation said, one of the corporate social responsibilities very dear to her organisation is supporting breast cancer champions/foundations. She said that Manebody Cosmetics started supporting cancer awareness causes since early days when the company started operations in 2017.
“It is sad that most breast cancer champions can not afford the basic things of life, not to talk of paying for their mammogram or treatment. I took it upon myself to assist in little ways that I can. I commit one per cent of my company’s profit to supporting cancer champions. Most times, I just go to a cancer center and donate for a champion’s chemotherapy or pay for their examination/ checkup for free and for some, I offset some bills at a discounted rate but this October, 2021, I decided to reach out to people or organisations that actually make serious impact and give out the little we have,” Jones said.
Speaking further, the beauty and skin products manufacturer said that often times, cancer champions ask what next for them? To ensure that they were economically engaged, she said her organisation started skills acquisition and trainings for cancer champions, majority of whom are mostly rural women two years ago.
“We initiated skills acquisition programmes for champions to help keep their mental state, so they get busy economically and they don’t think much or get depressed. We also found out that champions have this sweet fulfillment when they are able to achieve something and create a product that works. It gives them so much joy, satisfaction and sense of accomplishment by creating something. It could be soaps, bleach, sanitizer, creams, lip balm, lotions, etc,” Jones opined.
She further thanked Project Pink Blue for her humanitarian cause on cancer awareness and advocacy in Nigeria, adding that Manebody Cosmetics Limited would be ready to partner with the NGO anytime to create awareness and help champions live productive lives.
The CEO said her organisation partners with religious organisations, government, NGOs, individuals, international organisations on skills acquisitio, stressing that she is ready to partner with Project Pink Blue to empower cancer champions for free.
Speaking, the Coordinator, Patient Navigation and Funding for Project Pink Blue, Khadijat Banwo Fatai, expressed her organisation’s gratitude to Manebody Cosmetics Limited for identifying with the NGO.
“This is awesome, we really appreciate your passion and identification with Project Pink Blue. Your magnanimity will sure go a long way in lifting the spirit of cancer patients and survivors. As 12 years plus breast cancer champion, on behalf of other members of our breast cancer support group, I say a big thank you for your kind gesture,” Fatai said.
Also, the Programmes Coordinator for Project Pink Blue, Gloria Okwu, expressed her organsation’s gratitude to Manebody Cosmetics for the show of love and support.
She said : “The burden of cancer is huge and I know that with every support like the gifts of these sweet scented natural pink sugar bar soaps, bath time will be fun!”
The President of Abuja Breast Cancer Support Group, Gloria Orji, said Manebody Cosmetics gesture was like passion that met strength, noting that this has made the journey for breast cancer champions easier.
“Manebody Cosmetics, thank you for your donation and God bless your company,” Orji stated.
Other dignitaries at the donation event were Mr. Runcie Chidebe, Executive Director, Project Pink Blue; Ifeoma Ezeama and Summaiya of Manebody Cosmetics Limited.