In a bid to raise awareness about Cancer prevention and treatment, the President of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), Mrs Mariya Abiodun Lagbaja, has advocated for collective efforts in the provision of quality healthcare access and enhanced awareness about the Disease, while applauding ongoing efforts to combat Cancer in Nigeria.
Mrs Lagbaja made the call while speaking during the NAOWA World Cancer Day Awareness Summit on Monday, 5 February 2024 at the Command Officers Mess 1, Asokoro, Abuja.
In her remarks at the event, the NAOWA President underscored the significance of World Cancer Day as a platform to unite in the fight against Cancer and the need to bridge the gap in Cancer management, in order to prevent further deaths and disabilities.
The NAOWA President thereafter emphasized the urgency of addressing the burden of Cancer within the Barracks Community and Nigeria at large.
She averred that the theme for the year 2024 World Cancer Day, “Close the Care Gap”, highlights major gaps concerning the care for Cancer patients around the globe, notably the lack of awareness of the disease.
Mrs Lagbaja stressed that this lack of awareness prevents many people from seeking early diagnosis and prompt treatment hence the need for the summit as part of NAOWA’s Corporate Social Responsibility, to raise awareness, and contribute to the efforts of other International and Local Organizations.
She thereafter called for collective action in the fight against Cancer, harping on regular screening and support to those affected by the disease in order to alleviate the burden of the disease and foster a healthier society.
In his remarks at the summit, the Special Guest of Honour, (SGOH) the Chief of Administration (Army), Major General Ohwonigho Akpor emphasized the importance of early detention and preventive care as critical components in the battle against cancer, calling for greater investment in awareness campaigns and screening programme.
General Akpor disclosed that the burden of Cancer in Nigeria and among army personnel was huge and called for collective action through screening and vaccination. He thereafter called on the Barracks community to always engage in regular screening for early detention through NA healthcare facilities across the nation.
Dignitaries who graced the event were the chief host, the President NAOWA, Mrs Mariya Abiodun Lagbaja, the SGOH, the Chief of Administration (Army), Major General Ohwonigho Jimmy Akpor, wife of the Honorable Minister of Defence, Hajiya Magajiya Abubakar Badaru, the President of the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association, Mrs Oghogho Musa, the representative of the president of the Naval Officers’ Wives Association, Mrs Zainab Akpan, and the representative of the president of the Nigerian Air Force Officers’ Wives Association, Mrs Joan Oahimeri.
