By Nkechi Eze
The President of the Defence and Police Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs Oghogho Gwabin Musa, was among the distinguished guests at the official launch of the Partnership to Eliminate Cervical Cancer in Nigeria (PECCiN), held on Monday, 3 June 2025, at the State House Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja. The event, hosted by the Office of the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, marked a major milestone in Nigeria’s fight against one of the most preventable yet deadly diseases affecting women.
Mrs Musa’s attendance reaffirmed DEPOWA’s unwavering commitment to championing health advocacy, particularly among women and families within the armed forces community. Her participation in the high-level initiative also underscored the growing synergy between military families and national efforts aimed at improving public health outcomes.
The PECCiN launch, which brought together policymakers, healthcare professionals, women’s groups, civil society leaders, and development partners, seeks to mobilize nationwide support to eradicate cervical cancer in Nigeria. The initiative promotes awareness, early screening, Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, and effective treatment, with the overarching goal of reducing preventable deaths and safeguarding the health and dignity of Nigerian women and girls.
Speaking at the event, the Special Guest of Honour and First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Her Excellency Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, described the initiative as a historic turning point in the nation’s commitment to women’s health.
“This partnership to eliminate cervical cancer in Nigeria marks a pivotal milestone in enhancing women’s health, dignity, and overall well-being,” the First Lady declared. “We must scale up comprehensive screening, treatment, and services, and I call on governments at all levels, healthcare professionals, educational institutions, community leaders, and our partners to prioritise women’s health. Let us invest in science-driven and innovative strategies to combat this preventable disease and secure a healthier future for Nigerian women and girls.”
Mrs Oghogho Gwabin Musa, who has led several impactful DEPOWA initiatives in support of family health and wellness, echoed the First Lady’s call to action. Her presence symbolised solidarity with millions of women across Nigeria, particularly those in military and police communities who often face unique barriers in accessing preventive healthcare.
The event also featured informative healthcare talks delivered by various medical and advocacy organisations. These sessions highlighted the importance of regular cervical cancer screening, the life-saving potential of early detection, and the critical role of the HPV vaccine for young girls between the ages of 9 and 14.
Group photographs captured the moment as the First Lady stood alongside Mrs Musa and other distinguished attendees, reflecting a shared commitment to empowering Nigerian women with the knowledge and resources needed to protect their health.
The PECCiN programme aligns with global strategies led by the World Health Organization (WHO) to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health concern. With Nigeria now officially joining that global push, and with influential voices like that of the DEPOWA President reinforcing the message, the nationwide campaign is expected to make significant strides in closing the gap in women’s access to quality reproductive healthcare.
The presence of Mrs Oghogho Gwabin Musa at the Presidential Villa underscores DEPOWA’s expanding role in national development efforts and its firm resolve to be at the forefront of transformative health advocacy, ensuring that no woman is left behind in the fight against cervical cancer.
