The President of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association, NAOWA, Dr Safiyyah Hassan Shaibu, has called for increased breast cancer awareness, early detection and improved mental health support for military families, stressing that no woman should face health challenges alone.
Mrs Shaibu made the call during the 2026 NAOWA Breast Cancer and Mental Health Awareness Programme, organised to commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Month and mark World Mental Health Day.
She said early screening, prompt medical attention and emotional support were essential in managing health challenges, noting that breast cancer and mental health concerns affect not only individuals but also their families and communities.
The NAOWA president urged participants to seek medical and psychological assistance whenever necessary, warning against the stigma and fear of judgement that often prevent people from accessing appropriate care.
She also highlighted the significance of this year’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month theme, “Every Story is Unique, Every Story Matters,” saying it underscored the need to create supportive environments where people could openly discuss their health challenges and seek help.
According to her, promoting awareness and encouraging open conversations about breast cancer and mental health would help individuals recognise warning signs early and access appropriate support.
Mrs Shaibu expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for his continued support for the welfare and wellbeing of Nigerian Army families.
She also commended the resource persons, health professionals and facilitators who contributed to the programme, urging participants to promote regular breast cancer screening and encourage conversations about mental health within their families and communities.
The NAOWA president reaffirmed the association’s commitment to promoting healthcare awareness, mental wellbeing and stronger military families.
She stressed that every life was valuable and that people experiencing health challenges deserved to be heard, supported and encouraged to seek professional assistance.
The programme was attended by the President of the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association, DEPOWA, Mernan Femi Oluyede, who was represented by Felicia Ogunleye.
Also represented were the President of the Naval Officers’ Wives Association (NOWA), Mrs Aisha Idi-Abass, represented by Mrs Esther Zakaria, and the President of the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), Chief Mrs Mutiat Olufunmilola Disu, represented by Mrs Ada Ene Alonyenu.
Other dignitaries included members of 41 RC Rubies, wives of Principal Staff Officers, NAOWA coordinators and chairpersons, the Chief Medical Director of the Army Command and NAOWA Hospital, as well as resource persons.
Highlights of the programme included an advocacy session on breast cancer awareness, during which participants were sensitised to the importance of early detection and timely medical attention.
Breast cancer survivors also shared their personal experiences, offering encouragement and insights into their journeys and underscoring the importance of awareness, support and access to healthcare.
The event ended with group photographs to commemorate the programme.