Army chief’s wife urges soldiers’ families to prioritise cancer detection

Shaibu at the 2026 NAOWA Breast Cancer and Mental Health Awareness Programme, organised to commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Month and World Mental Health Day.

The President of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), Dr Safiyyah Shaibu, has urged military families to prioritise early breast cancer detection and mental health support, stressing that seeking medical or psychological help should never be regarded as a sign of weakness.

In a post obtained from Nigeria’s Army’s X handle on Sunday, Shaibu made the call at the 2026 NAOWA Breast Cancer and Mental Health Awareness Programme, organised to commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Month and World Mental Health Day.

She emphasised the importance of regular screening, prompt medical attention and emotional support in addressing health challenges, noting that breast cancer and mental health conditions affect not only individuals but also their families and the wider community.

According to her, creating a supportive environment where people can speak openly about their health concerns is essential to overcoming stigma and encouraging early intervention.

“Seeking help should never be seen as a sign of weakness. Rather, it is a demonstration of courage and an important step towards protecting our health and wellbeing,” she said.

Highlighting the theme of the programme, “Every Story is Unique, Every Story Matters,” Shaibu called for greater understanding and compassion towards people living with breast cancer and those experiencing mental health challenges.

She urged military families to embrace regular breast cancer screening, seek timely medical attention when necessary and encourage open conversations about mental health without fear of discrimination or judgement.

“Every story is unique, and every individual deserves to be heard, understood and supported. We must create an environment where people feel safe to speak about their struggles and seek the help they need,” she said.

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The NAOWA president also expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for his continued support for the welfare and wellbeing of Nigerian Army families.

She further acknowledged the contributions of resource persons, healthcare professionals and facilitators who participated in the programme, urging them to sustain efforts to promote health awareness within military communities.

Shaibu encouraged participants to take the message beyond the event by educating their families, friends and communities on the importance of early breast cancer detection and mental health care.

She reaffirmed NAOWA’s commitment to promoting healthcare awareness, mental wellbeing and stronger military families, stressing that every life is valuable and every voice deserves to be heard.

The programme attracted representatives of the presidents of the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), Naval Officers’ Wives Association (NOWA) and Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA).

Other dignitaries in attendance included wives of Principal Staff Officers, NAOWA coordinators, the Chief Medical Director of the Army Command and NAOWA Hospital, as well as healthcare professionals and other resource persons.