By Nkechi Eze
The President of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), Mrs Safiyyah Hassan Shaibu, has emphasised the indispensable role of unity, strong family support systems and health consciousness in confronting the growing burden of cancer, particularly within military and para-military communities.
Mrs Shaibu made this known in her goodwill message as Officers’ Wives Associations across the Armed Forces and security agencies jointly commemorated World Cancer Day 2026 at a special programme held on Wednesday, 4 February 2026, at the Nigerian Army Conference Centre and Suites (NACCAS), Asokoro, Abuja.
Speaking at the event themed “United by Unique”, the NAOWA President noted that cancer does not affect only the individual patient, but profoundly impacts entire families, stressing that the effect is often more pronounced within military communities where spouses frequently bear multiple responsibilities due to the operational commitments of their partners.
She underscored the importance of strong family bonds, emotional support and collective awareness as critical pillars in confronting the disease, adding that unity among military and para-military families can significantly ease the physical, emotional and psychological burden faced by cancer patients and their loved ones.
In a statement signed by the Liaison Officer, NAOWA, Captain Jemila Jimoh, Mrs Shaibu further called on military wives to prioritise their health and overall wellbeing through regular medical screening, early detection and the adoption of healthy lifestyle choices.
According to her, timely medical intervention not only improves survival outcomes but also preserves family stability and emotional wellbeing, which are essential for maintaining resilient military families.
The NAOWA President reaffirmed the Association’s unwavering commitment to health education, community sensitisation and humanitarian interventions targeted at women, families and vulnerable groups within military formations nationwide. She assured that NAOWA would continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to advance preventive healthcare, provide support for cancer patients and survivors, and strengthen family-centred health advocacy across military communities.
Earlier in her opening remarks, the President of the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs Mernan Femi Oluyede, represented by the Deputy President DEPOWA, Mrs Osas Edosa, described cancer as a global health challenge that transcends age, gender, profession and social status.
She noted that beyond its devastating physical effects, cancer places enormous emotional and economic strain on families and communities, making prevention and early intervention imperative.
Mrs Edosa stressed the importance of early detection, routine medical screening, healthy living and emotional support, describing awareness as one of the most powerful tools in reducing cancer-related deaths.
She commended the unity and collaboration among the Military and Para-Military Officers’ Wives Associations, describing the joint World Cancer Day observance as a strong demonstration of shared responsibility, compassion and collective resolve. She also encouraged sustained partnerships in advocacy, outreach and support programmes.
Goodwill messages were delivered by Presidents of sister associations, including the President of the Nigerian Navy Officers’ Wives Association (NOWA), Mrs Aisha Idi-Abbas; the President of the Nigerian Air Force Officers’ Wives Association (NAFOWA), Mrs Ngozi Aneke; and the President of the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), Mrs Elizabeth Egbetokun.
They jointly called for deeper collaboration, sustained advocacy and increased public awareness to strengthen cancer prevention and support initiatives across the country.
The programme featured advocacy messages, awareness sessions and a unified call to action aimed at strengthening partnerships in cancer prevention, early detection, treatment support and survivor care.
Highlights of the event included lectures by resource persons, testimonies by cancer survivors, interactive sessions and group photographs, reaffirming the shared resolve of the Military Officers’ Wives Associations to remain united in purpose while recognising the unique journeys of individuals and families living with cancer.
