The President of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), Dr Safiyyah Shaibu, has urged women to overcome fear and complacency by prioritising breast cancer screening and seeking early medical attention whenever they notice unusual changes in their bodies.
Shaibu also called on military families to seek mental health support without shame or stigma, stressing that physical and emotional well-being deserved equal attention.
She made the call on Saturday in Abuja at the 2026 NAOWA Breast Cancer and Mental Health Awareness Programme, organised to commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Month and World Mental Health Day.
Emphasising the importance of early detection, Shaibu recounted the experience of a woman who nearly ignored a minor bodily change because it caused little pain.
The woman eventually sought medical attention after a friend encouraged her to do so, leading to early detection and timely treatment with the support of family and friends.
“Behind every diagnosis is a person. Behind every person is a family, and behind every family is a story,” she said.
The NAOWA president stressed that breast cancer could have consequences beyond physical health, affecting a woman’s confidence, family relationships and future.
She urged women to take responsibility for their health by embracing regular screening, paying attention to unusual bodily changes and seeking professional medical advice promptly.
According to her, overcoming fear and complacency is essential to ensuring that women do not delay seeking medical attention when they notice potential warning signs.
She also encouraged participants to share accurate health information and support women who may be experiencing the physical and emotional difficulties associated with diagnosis and treatment.
Addressing mental health concerns, Shaibu said military personnel operated under demanding conditions, while their families often had to cope with anxiety, multiple responsibilities and emotional pressures.
“For military families, these issues deserve particular attention,” she said.
She called for an environment in which members of the military community could seek psychological support without being judged or made to feel weak.
The NAOWA president stressed that seeking professional help for mental health challenges should be regarded as a responsible decision rather than a sign of weakness.
She urged participants to demonstrate greater compassion towards people experiencing emotional or psychological difficulties, noting that support did not always require having the right answers or providing immediate solutions.
“Sometimes supporting someone does not require perfect words or solutions. It simply means being present, listening without judgment, and reminding that person that they are not alone,” she said.
Shaibu challenged participants to help build a culture in which breast cancer screening was embraced rather than feared and seeking mental health support was regarded as wisdom rather than weakness.
She also urged women to encourage their mothers, sisters, daughters, colleagues and friends to take their health seriously and seek medical attention whenever they noticed unusual changes.
The NAOWA president expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, for supporting initiatives aimed at improving the welfare and well-being of Nigerian Army families.
She also commended the panellists, mental health experts and facilitators for their contributions to strengthening health awareness and promoting family support.
The programme featured discussions on breast cancer prevention and management, with medical experts highlighting the importance of early detection, timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
The awareness session was led by the Chairperson of the NAOWA Health Committee, Dr Uchechukwu Shagaya, and featured contributions from Dr Feyisayo Daji, Chief Consultant Radiologist at the National Hospital, Abuja; Dr Emmanuella Nwachukwu, Senior Consultant Radiation and Clinical Oncologist; Haleemah Abdullahi, a registered oncology nurse; and Dr Rabi Isiaka-Yusuf, a family physician.
The experts highlighted the importance of medical screening, professional guidance and coordinated care in helping women navigate diagnosis and treatment.
Their contributions reinforced the need for women to seek qualified medical advice and access appropriate care rather than allow fear, stigma or misinformation to prevent them from addressing health concerns.
The programme also featured a contribution from breast cancer survivor Nneoma Ndukwe, whose participation brought a survivor’s perspective to the awareness campaign.
Brig.-Gen. Abraham Ayeni, Commander of the NAOWA Command Hospital, also contributed to discussions on healthcare and the well-being of military families.
On mental health, Consultant Psychiatrist Dr Olusegun Shoyombo addressed the importance of recognising psychological difficulties and seeking professional support without stigma.
The discussions highlighted the need for greater awareness, early intervention and sustained support for individuals and families dealing with health challenges.
Shaibu urged participants to ensure that fear, stigma and silence did not prevent anyone from seeking help, emphasising the importance of compassion, timely intervention and collective responsibility in promoting the physical and emotional well-being of women and military families.
