The Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), 3 Division Chapter, has joined the global community in marking the 2025 Breast Cancer Awareness and World Mental Health Day with a strong call for collective efforts toward early detection, prevention, and mental wellness.
According to a statement by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 3 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, the event, themed “Every Story is Unique, Every Journey Matters,” was held on Friday, 10 October 2025, at the 3 Division Auditorium, Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Jos. The programme brought together officers, soldiers, families, and health professionals to promote awareness of critical health issues affecting women and the wider military community.
In her welcome address, the Chairperson of the NAOWA 3 Division Chapter, Dr. (Mrs.) Temitope Oyinlola, explained that the initiative aimed to deepen understanding and reduce stigma surrounding breast cancer and mental health conditions. She appreciated the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division and Commander, Operation ENDURING PEACE, Major General Folusho Oyinlola, for his unwavering support and compassionate leadership, which she said continues to inspire the Division’s welfare initiatives.
Dr (Mrs) Oyinlola also commended Foresight Diagnostic and Medical Services for their valuable partnership and for providing discounted mammogram services to women within the Cantonment, describing the collaboration as a meaningful step toward accessible healthcare.
In his goodwill message, Major General Folusho Oyinlola urged participants to prioritise their health and engage in regular self-examinations and early medical screenings. He highlighted the strong connection between physical and mental well-being and operational performance, stressing that the welfare of soldiers and their families remains a top priority for the Division.
The GOC encouraged attendees to utilise the subsidised medical services offered through the awareness campaign and to share key lessons with others in their communities. He further called on families to foster peaceful and supportive environments that enhance collective resilience and happiness.
The event featured a keynote lecture by Dr (Mrs) Oyinlola, who emphasised that “prevention is always better and cheaper than cure,” urging women to take advantage of available medical resources for timely diagnosis and treatment.
Other health experts, including the Commander, 3 Division Medical Services and Hospital, Brigadier General Augustine Omogbethai, and specialists from the University of Jos Teaching Hospital (JUTH), delivered insightful lectures on breast cancer awareness and mental health management.
A touching highlight of the event was a session titled “Journey of Strength,” during which Mrs Janet Dimfwina, a breast cancer survivor, shared her inspiring story of courage and recovery, motivating participants to remain hopeful and health-conscious.
The commemoration also featured a fitness road walk, interactive discussions, and health education sessions designed to promote a culture of wellness among troops and their families.
Dignitaries in attendance included 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.
