NAOWA 3 Division Marks 2025 Breast Cancer Awareness and World Mental Health Day With A Call For A Collective Action
The Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), 3 Division Chapter, marked the 2025 Breast Cancer Awareness and World Mental Health Day with a powerful call for collective efforts in tackling these health challenges. The event urged women and girls to adopt a culture of regular self-examination and early medical checks for timely detection and treatment.
Held under the theme, “Every Story is Unique, Every Journey Matters,” the event took place on Friday, 10 October 2025, at 3 Division Auditorium in Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Jos. It brought together officers, soldiers, families, and medical professionals to promote health consciousness and mental well-being within the military community.
In her welcome address, the Chairperson of NAOWA 3 Division Chapter, Dr (Mrs) Temitope Oyinlola, stated that the event was designed to foster understanding and reduce the stigma faced by individuals affected by breast cancer or mental health conditions. She expressed her profound appreciation to the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division and Commander Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), Major General Folusho Oyinlola, for his consistent support and exemplary leadership. She described this support as a reflection of his deep compassion and commitment to the welfare of troops and their families.
Dr (Mrs) Oyinlola also acknowledged the contribution of Foresight Diagnostic and Medical Services for their steadfast partnership and for offering discounted mammogram services to women within the Cantonment as part of the awareness campaign.
In his remarks, the Special Guest of Honour, Major General Folusho Oyinlola, urged participants to prioritize their health and take proactive steps toward early detection and treatment. He underscored the critical link between personal well-being and operational efficiency, stressing that soldiers and their families must remain physically and mentally fit to sustain operational readiness.
The GOC encouraged attendees to utilize the subsidized medical services offered through the partnership with Foresight Diagnostic and Medical Services and to share the knowledge gained from the event with their families and communities. He reaffirmed his commitment to the welfare of personnel and their dependents and urged women to continue nurturing peaceful and supportive home environments for their families to thrive.
A keynote lecture on breast cancer awareness was delivered by Dr (Mrs) Temitope Oyinlola, who emphasized that “prevention is always better and cheaper than cure,” reiterating that early detection remains a critical factor for successful treatment outcomes.
Additional lectures on breast cancer awareness and mental health management were delivered by the Commander, 3 Division Medical Services and Hospital, Brigadier General Augustine Omogbethai, alongside medical experts from the University of Jos Teaching Hospital (JUTH).
A poignant segment of the event, titled “Journey of Strength,” featured Mrs. Janet Dimfwina, a breast cancer survivor, who shared her inspiring personal story of resilience and recovery.
Highlights of the day included comprehensive health lectures, awareness campaigns, interactive discussions, and a fitness road walk, all aimed at promoting a culture of healthy living.
In attendance were the Chief of Staff, Headquarters 3 Division; Commanders and Commanding Officers of affiliated formations and units; staff officers; members of NAOWA and the Nigerian Army Soldiers’ Wives Association (NASWA); as well as soldiers and families from Maxwell Khobe Cantonment.
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