<strong><em>President of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) Dr Safiyyah Hassan Shaibu. PHOTOS: OMOREGIE OSAHON</em></strong>
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 seeking help should never be considered a sign of weakness.
Dr 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 emphasised that early screening, timely 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 President NAOWA highlighted the importance of this year’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month theme, “Every Story is Unique, Every Story Matters,” urging participants to create supportive environments where individuals could seek medical and psychological assistance without fear of stigma or judgement.
Dr Shaibu also expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu Nigerian Army Medal for his continued support for the welfare and wellbeing of Nigerian Army families.
She commended the resource persons, health professionals and facilitators for their contributions, urging participants to promote regular screening, encourage open conversations about mental health and extend the message of awareness and support to their families and communities.
She reaffirmed NAOWA’s commitment to promoting healthcare awareness, mental wellbeing and stronger military families, stressing that every life is valuable and every voice deserves to be heard.
The event was graced by the President, Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs Mernan Femi Oluyede who was represented by Mrs Felicia Ogunleye, the President, Naval Officers’ Wives Association (NOWA), Mrs Aisha Idi-Abass also represented by Mrs Esther Zakaria and the President, Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) Chief Mrs Mutiat Olufunmilola Disu represented by Mrs Ada Ene Alonyenu.
Other dignitaries included 41 RC Rubies, wives of Principal Staff Officers (PSOs), NAOWA Coordinators and Chairpersons, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the Army Command and NAOWA Hospital, and resource persons.
Highlights of the programme included an advocacy talk on breast cancer awareness during which participants were sensitized on the importance of early detection and timely medical attention, personal experiences shared by breast cancer survivors, which provided encouragement and valuable insights into their journeys and group photographs to commemorate the event.