President NAOWA Emphasizes Family Support and Unity As Officers’ Wives Associations Marks Combined World Cancer Day In Abuja

President NAOWA Emphasizes Family Support and Unity As Officers’ Wives Associations Marks Combined World Cancer Day In Abuja

The President of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), Mrs Safiyyah Hassan Shaibu, has underscored the critical role of unity, family support and health consciousness among military and para military wives as Officers’ Wives Associations jointly commemorated World Cancer Day 2026 in Abuja. Delivering her goodwill message at the joint programme themed “United by Unique” Mrs Shaibu noted that cancer does not affect individuals alone but deeply impacts families, particularly within military communities where spouses often shoulder multiple responsibilities in the absence of their partners. She stressed that strong family bonds, emotional support, and collective awareness remain vital in confronting the disease. The President NAOWA called on military wives to prioritise their health and wellbeing, encouraging regular medical screening, early detection and healthy lifestyle choices. She explained that timely medical intervention not only improves survival outcomes but also preserves family stability and emotional wellbeing.

Mrs Shaibu reaffirmed NAOWA’s unwavering commitment to promoting health education, community sensitisation and humanitarian interventions targeted at women, families and vulnerable groups within military formations nationwide. She assured that the Association would continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to advance preventive healthcare, provide support for cancer patients and survivors and strengthen family-centred health advocacy within military communities. The joint World Cancer Day programme was held on Wednesday, 4 February 2026, at the Nigerian Army Conference Centre and Suites (NACCAS), Asokoro, Abuja, and brought together survivals, leaders and members of Officers’ Wives Associations across the Armed Forces and security agencies.

Earlier, in her opening remarks, the President DEPOWA, Mrs Mernan Femi Oluyede who was represented by the Deputy President DEPOWA, Mrs Osas Edosa, described cancer as a global health challenge that cuts across age, gender, profession, and social status. She noted that beyond its physical toll, the disease places significant emotional and economic strain on families and communities. Mrs Edosa emphasised the importance of early detection, routine medical screening, healthy living, and emotional support, adding that awareness remains one of the most effective tools in reducing cancer-related deaths. She commended the unity and collaboration among the Military and Para-Military Officers’ Wives Associations, describing the joint observance as a strong demonstration of shared responsibility, compassion and collective resolve. She further encouraged sustained partnerships in advocacy, outreach and support programmes.

Goodwill messages were also 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 nationwide. 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.

The event reaffirmed the shared resolve of the Military Officers’ Wives Associations to stand united in purpose, while recognising the unique journeys of individuals and families living with cancer. Highlights of the event were the lectures by resource persons, testimonies by survivors, interactive sessions and group photographs.