Troops Of ECOWAS Stabilization Support Mission To The Republic Of Guinea Bissau Conduct Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign

Troops Of ECOWAS Stabilization Support Mission To The Republic Of Guinea Bissau Conduct Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign

The Office of the Resident Representative of the President of the ECOWAS Commission in Guinea Bissau, in collaboration with the Force Headquarters and contingents of the ECOWAS Stabilization Support Mission to the Republic of Guinea Bissau (ESSMGB), conducted a Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign in commemoration of the World Breast Cancer Awareness Month, popularly known as the “Pink Month.” The event was held at the Save Our Souls (SOS) Granja Village School, on Wednesday, 22 October 2025.

As part of the activities, the Resident Representative of the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Ambassador Ngozi Ukaeje, and the Force Commander, ESSMGB, Brigadier General Edward Odinya Ojabo, led participants—including ESSMGB troops and students of the SOS School—on a five-kilometre awareness route march through the heart of Bissau City.

In her address, Ambassador Ngozi Ukaeje expressed her delight in welcoming dignitaries and participants on behalf of the President of the ECOWAS Commission, His Excellency Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, to the Breast Cancer Awareness Programme jointly organized by the Office of the Resident Representative, the Force Headquarters, and contingents of ESSMGB.

She stated that she was pleased to be part of a campaign addressing an issue that affects the health and wellbeing of Bissau-Guineans and humanity at large. Ambassador Ukaeje described breast cancer as a “silent epidemic” with devastating consequences, emphasizing that as partners with a shared responsibility, all must work together to confront this challenge through awareness creation—to increase knowledge, reduce fear, and restore hope.

She added that the launch of the ECOWAS Breast Cancer Awareness Programme 2025 at the SOS Children’s Village, Granja, symbolizes the Mission’s commitment to ensuring a safe and secure environment for all Guineans.

Ambassador Ukaeje concluded by stressing that the Breast Cancer Awareness initiative is not just a one-day event but a continuous commitment to show solidarity with the women and girls of Guinea Bissau.

In his opening remarks, the Force Commander, Brigadier General Edward Odinya Ojabo, highlighted the main objective of the campaign—to educate women and girls of Guinea Bissau on self-examination methods that promote early detection and help reduce breast cancer risks. He emphasized the importance of the campaign as part of ESSMGB’s commitment to enhancing healthcare awareness, promoting preventive practices, and empowering women with knowledge and skills for early detection.

The Force Commander appreciated the impressive turnout of women and girls at the event and encouraged participants to share the vital message of breast cancer prevention with their families and communities. He also commended the Resident Representative for her exemplary leadership, initiative, and collaboration in joining the global fight against breast cancer.

General Ojabo further extended his gratitude to the Contingent Commanders and Staff Officers of ESSMGB for their contributions and support, which ensured the successful conduct of the campaign.

In the same vein, the Gender Adviser to the Resident Representative, Dr. A’isha Yanet, explained that the programme was designed to raise awareness and sensitize female students of the SOS Granja Village School and the general public on the risks associated with breast cancer. She described cancer as one of the leading causes of mortality among women and girls in Africa and emphasized that the initiative aligns with ECOWAS’ objective of promoting social wellbeing and protecting civilians through Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) activities.

During the event, a series of lectures were conducted on topics related to breast cancer, including general awareness about the disease, methods of self-examination, and female hygiene. The lectures were delivered by the medical team from Level II Military Hospital, as well as medical personnel from the Nigerian, Ghanaian, and Senegalese contingents.

The event concluded with the presentation of souvenirs to SOS School by the Resident Representative of the ECOWAS President and Head of Mission in Guinea Bissau. The souvenirs included sanitary pads and T-shirts.

The event was well attended by representatives of the Government of Guinea Bissau, ESSMGB troops, and the students and staff of SOS Granja Village School.