The Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), 9 Brigade Zone, in partnership with the Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN) Lagos Chapter, has held a breast cancer awareness walk and sensitization lecture aimed at promoting routine breast examination for early detection and effective treatment.
The event took place in TA Lagbaja Cantonment, Ikeja, Lagos State.
Participants embarked on an awareness walk through Onigbongbo Community and around the cantonment, drawing attention to the importance of early screening.
The activities later shifted to the Command Day Secondary School (CDSS) Hall, where a sensitization lecture was held.
During the lecture, Mr. Promise Ihezie, Operations Officer of BRECAN Lagos Chapter, educated women on proper self-breast examination techniques and emphasized key signs and symptoms that should prompt immediate medical attention.
He stressed that early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes.
Chairperson of BRECAN Lagos, Mrs. Chinenye Arih, a breast cancer survivor, shared her personal experience and urged women to prioritize regular medical checkups.
She commended the immediate past Coordinator of NAOWA 9 Brigade Zone, Mrs. Olubukola Olayinka Oyekola, for sponsoring and planning the event, describing it as a vital contribution to women’s health.
She also appreciated the Commander 9 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ayokunle Owolabi, for providing logistics support and allowing staff to coordinate the programme on behalf of NAOWA.
Represented by the Chief of Staff Headquarters 9 Brigade, Colonel I. … Sheriff, the Commander encouraged participants to take advantage of the free screening to know their health status.
The event ended with a choreography performance by students of CDSS Ikeja and the presentation of cash gifts to selected breast cancer survivors, reinforcing BRECAN and NAOWA’s commitment to supporting affected women and sustaining community health advocacy.
Reporting by Mary Fatile