By Kenneth Oboh

In an inspired blend of art, advocacy, and community engagement, Dr. Lilian Ebuoma, distinguished breast radiologist and founder of Lilly Women’s Health and Lilly Cares Foundation, recently hosted a Sip & Paint event in Lagos aimed at advancing awareness around women’s health—particularly breast cancer prevention and early detection.

Timed to align with global commemorations including World Cancer Day, International Women’s Day, and Women’s History Month, the event convened a diverse group of women and one male participant for an afternoon of creative expression, candid dialogue, and health education.

Held in an intimate yet vibrant setting, the gathering was designed to serve as both a reflective space and an opportunity for participants to reconnect with their personal well-being.

Dr. Ebuoma, who brings more than two decades of clinical expertise and community service to her work, addressed attendees with a compelling message on the intersection of physical health and emotional resilience.

“We know that access to information and safe spaces can save lives,” she said. “This initiative is about equipping women with knowledge, building community, and fostering healing in a way that is approachable and empowering.”

As canvases came alive with color and meaning, the atmosphere shifted from lighthearted painting to a deeper engagement with the realities many women face in their health journeys. Participants were encouraged to share their stories, challenges, and victories, creating a sense of solidarity rarely found in clinical settings. The event became a safe haven for women to engage in meaningful conversations, supported by a community that fostered emotional release and shared hope.

Dr. Tolulope Oko-Igaire, Executive Director of the Institute of Counseling in Nigeria, urged women to recalibrate how they view self-care. “Prioritizing your health is not optional—it is essential,” she emphasized. “We must value our internal wellness as much as we do our outward appearance.”

Hon. Ajoke Moromoke Minat, Executive Vice Chairman of Agbado Oke-Odo LCDA, highlighted the life-saving importance of routine screenings. “Awareness is the first step to action,” she stated. “By normalizing conversations around breast health, we can dramatically reduce preventable outcomes.”

Veteran actress Kate Adepegba, long recognized for championing women’s rights and health advocacy, praised the initiative as a timely and necessary intervention. “Dr. Ebuoma is doing more than raising awareness—she’s building a culture of care,” she said. “This event gives women the confidence to take charge of their health without fear or shame.”

Throughout the session, licensed healthcare professionals were on hand to offer guidance on breast self-examinations, the importance of diagnostic imaging, and access to local screening services. The combination of artistic expression and practical health education made the program especially impactful, breaking down the barriers often associated with medical outreach.

Dr. Ebuoma’s personal journey is one of dedication and service, bolstered by her academic background, experience as a U.S. Navy Veteran, and her recent work as the author of Love Your Breasts, Love Yourself. The book, which blends medical insight with self-empowerment, furthers her mission to promote breast health awareness and emotional resilience among women. While her professional achievements are noteworthy, it is her relentless advocacy for women’s health that truly sets her apart.

The Sip & Paint event is part of a broader strategy by Lilly Women’s Health and Lilly Cares Foundation to improve breast cancer outcomes through education, early detection, and community-based initiatives. Dr. Ebuoma’s ongoing work continues to focus on reducing mortality rates—especially among women in underserved and rural communities.

“Empowerment begins with access,” Dr. Ebuoma concluded. “Our goal is to ensure that every woman, regardless of background, has the tools, support, and confidence to take charge of her health.”

As Dr. Ebuoma’s advocacy continues to expand through education, storytelling, and global partnerships, events like this reinforce her mission to reach thousands more with life-saving tools and transformational resources.