By Olayemi Esan
When Mrs. Oghogho Gwabin Musa, President of the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), took the podium at the Nigerian Army Conference Centre in Abuja, her voice carried both empathy and urgency. Her message was simple, yet profound: “Cancer knows no borders, respects no rules, and discriminates against no one.”
The hall, filled with researchers, survivors, policymakers, and advocates, grew quiet as she spoke. It was the opening ceremony of the International Cancer Week (ICW) 2025, and Mrs. Musa’s words struck a chord that went beyond statistics or policy talk — they touched the heart of humanity’s shared struggle with one of the world’s deadliest diseases.
To Mrs. Musa, cancer is not just a medical condition; it is a social and emotional burden that demands unity, compassion, and collaboration. Representing DEPOWA, she highlighted how the association’s work extends beyond supporting military and police families in times of conflict — it also stands with them in their private battles against illnesses like cancer.
“Through compassion, awareness, and collective action,” she said, “we can make a difference.”
Her call for empathy was as much about changing attitudes as it was about mobilizing resources. She spoke of DEPOWA’s initiatives that provide emotional and financial support to affected families — ensuring no one faces the journey alone.
Mrs. Musa also paid tribute to the researchers, medical professionals, and caregivers who devote their lives to saving others, calling them “the unseen warriors of hope.” Their efforts, she noted, light the way for millions who continue to fight or recover from cancer’s shadow.
But her most emotional moment came when she celebrated cancer survivors — those who have endured pain and uncertainty, yet continue to inspire others through their resilience. “They are the true warriors whose stories remind us that hope is stronger than fear,” she said, drawing heartfelt applause from the audience.
Under the theme “Redefining the Future of Cancer: Prevention, Access, and Equity for All,” the 2025 International Cancer Week gathered local and international experts to explore solutions that ensure everyone — regardless of background or income — has access to prevention, early detection, and treatment.
For Mrs. Musa, the event was a reminder that the fight against cancer cannot be won in isolation. She reaffirmed DEPOWA’s commitment to partnering with government agencies, NGOs, and private organizations to deepen awareness and promote equitable healthcare.
As the ceremony ended with the exchange of souvenirs, exhibitions, and group photographs, the message lingered: cancer may be relentless, but so too is the power of collective humanity.
And in that hall, under the soft glow of lights and the gentle hum of conversation, one woman’s voice had managed to stir something enduring — a shared promise to fight with empathy, to heal with unity, and to never lose hope.
Mariya Mahmoud Calls for Collective Action to Tackle Cancer Burden
As for the Honourable Minister of Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud at the 2025 International Cancer Week in Abuja, delivered a heartfelt message that blended urgency with hope — a call for all Nigerians to unite in the fight against cancer.
Speaking on the theme “Redefining the Future of Cancer: Prevention, Access, and Equity for All,” Mahmoud emphasized that cancer is not just a medical challenge but a shared national concern demanding empathy, education, innovation, and sustained collaboration.
She noted that while cancer remains one of the world’s leading causes of death, Nigeria is working to strengthen its response through awareness campaigns, early detection programs, and public-private partnerships. “The fight against cancer extends beyond medicine,” she said. “It requires collective effort and compassion.”
The minister highlighted the FCT Administration’s commitment to improving healthcare access and ensuring that residents receive quality, affordable care. She also praised the Federal Ministry of Health, NICRAT, and other partners for their dedication to research, advocacy, and patient support.
As discussions at the conference continued, Mahmoud’s message echoed a powerful truth — that the battle against cancer is not one government or organization can win alone. It takes a united community, driven by empathy and purpose, to build a future where no life is lost too soon to cancer.
