Olayemi Esan, Abuja — Military and police officers’ wives across Nigeria have called for stronger awareness, early detection and personalised cancer care, as they gathered for a historic joint World Cancer Day 2026 Summit themed “United by Unique.”
Delivering the welcome address, the President of the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs Mernan Femi-Oluyede, described the summit as a powerful statement of unity beyond institutional boundaries. She noted that while every cancer journey is deeply personal, collective action remains the strongest weapon against the disease.
According to her, World Cancer Day goes beyond symbolism, serving as a global call to action to confront the devastating impact of cancer on individuals, families and communities. She urged participants to commit to awareness, prevention, early detection and equitable access to care, stressing that behind every statistic lies a human story demanding deliberate and sustained action.
Mrs Femi-Oluyede applauded the collaboration of sister associations under the Armed Forces and Police family, noting that despite differences in service traditions and roles, they are united by compassion, responsibility and a shared mission to uplift society at its most vulnerable moments.
Speaking at the symposium, the President of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association, Mrs Safiyyah Hassan Shaibu, emphasised the importance of personalised cancer care for military families. She explained that cancer affects families differently, especially within the military context of frequent deployments, relocations and emotional strain.
She called on policymakers to recognise the unique circumstances of military families, urged healthcare professionals to adopt patient-centred care models, and appealed to partners and stakeholders for collaboration that brings innovation and compassion into cancer care delivery. “Personalised care must become standard care,” she said, assuring families currently battling cancer that they are not alone.
In her remarks, the National President of the Naval Officers’ Wives Association (NOWA), Mrs Aisha Idi Abbas, commended DEPOWA for convening the joint event. She highlighted the burden of deployments and uncertainties faced by naval families, noting that cancer cuts across ranks and services. She reaffirmed NOWA’s commitment to humanitarian service through awareness campaigns, free screenings and partnerships aimed at improving access to quality healthcare.
Dr Modupe Ogunsina, representing the President of the Nigerian Air Force Officers’ Wives Association (NAFOWA), Mrs Ifeoma Aneke stressed that prevention and regular screening remain the most effective tools against cancer. She encouraged women to prioritise their health, adopt consistent screening habits and spread awareness within their communities, reminding participants that early detection saves lives.
The joint summit concluded with a unified call for sustained advocacy, grassroots awareness and stronger support systems to ensure that no woman or family is left behind because of cost, location or circumstance. Participants reaffirmed their resolve to honour survivors, remember lives lost and work collectively towards a future where cancer is prevented, detected early and treated with dignity, compassion and hope.
