Fighting Breast Cancer from the Barracks: NGO Reaches Wives of Security Officers

Fighting Breast Cancer from the Barracks: NGO Reaches Wives of Security Officers

Dada Jackson

In a rare outreach to women behind Nigeria’s uniformed men, the She Safety and Health Initiative has taken its breast cancer awareness campaign into military and police barracks across Lagos, offering free screenings, emotional support, and practical education on early detection.

The campaign, which began on November 3, is part of the NGO’s ongoing mission to promote women’s health and safety.

It was held in partnership with the wives of military and police officers, including members of the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) and the Naval Officers’ Wives Association (NOWA).

Speaking at the Ikeja leg of the programme on Friday, the founder of the initiative, Mrs Mabel Abel-Onaiwu, said the outreach was designed to ensure that no woman—especially those living in security communities—is left behind in the fight against breast cancer.

“The major aim of this awareness walk is to let women know that breast cancer is not a death sentence. When detected early, it can be treated—and that is why we are here to fight it,” she said.

Abel-Onaiwu noted that the initiative decided to focus on military and police barracks to reach women who often bear the burden of keeping the home front while their spouses serve the nation.

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“These women keep their homes stable when their husbands are away on official duties. We are here to give them both emotional and physical support,” she added.

Participants received free breast cancer screening, learned self-examination techniques, and were trained on basic first aid—including how to assist someone who faints or chokes.

The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Mr Olohundare Jimoh, who flagged off the walk, commended the organisers for their focus on families of security personnel.

“When our wives are healthy and happy, we can carry out our duties better in service to the nation,” he said, praising DEPOWA for its enduring unity and service projects.

Also speaking, Mrs Nabila Mustapha, Coordinator of NOWA, Western Naval Command, stressed that awareness and regular self-examination remain the strongest defences against breast cancer.

“Breast cancer is common among women, but it is treatable if detected early. Every step we took today sends a message of compassion and commitment to saving lives,” she said.

The event’s highlight was a live demonstration by Ms Ijeoma Ebuleme of Lakeshore Cancer Center, who guided women through self-examination routines to detect lumps early.

Abel-Onaiwu said the group plans to extend the campaign to military formations and police barracks across other regions of the country in the coming months.

 

Fighting Breast Cancer from the Barracks: NGO Reaches Wives of Security Officers