Nigeria Customs Marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Abuja
Written by: Queen Abayomi
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on 6 October 2026 joined the global observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a sensitisation programme held at its Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.
The programme, themed “Inspect, Detect, Protect,” was organised to promote awareness, early detection and prevention of breast cancer among officers and stakeholders. It brought together Customs officers, medical professionals and partners to strengthen efforts against the disease.
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Representing the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Information and Communication Technology and Modernisation, Oluyomi Adebakin, urged officers to prioritise their health and remain vigilant about the early signs of cancer.
Adebakin stressed that cancer should not be viewed as a stigma or a death sentence, noting that increased awareness and education were essential to ensuring early detection and effective management.
“Cancer isn’t a stigma. It is a time to give attention to those affected and give them hope again. Together, we can build a healthier society, a healthier Service, and healthier communities,” she said.
The President of the Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA), Mrs Kikelomo Adeniyi, who was the Special Guest of Honour and keynote speaker, encouraged officers, particularly women, to make their health a priority by carrying out regular self-examinations and seeking medical attention when necessary.
She observed that women often prioritise the wellbeing of their families while neglecting their own health, stressing that early detection could make a significant difference in the fight against breast cancer.
“Fellow officers, you must be alive before you get promoted. Check on yourself,” she said.
Adeniyi also reminded male officers that breast cancer is not exclusive to women, urging them to support women in their families and communities and to take their own health seriously.
The Project Manager of the BOYA Project, Fauziya Abubakar, said the initiative had sustained breast cancer awareness within the NCS for three years.
She emphasised the need for continuous sensitisation and regular screening, noting that early detection remained one of the most important steps in tackling the disease.
A major highlight of the event was a ₦50 million pledge by the Managing Director of Trade Modernisation Project Limited, Dr Jummai Umar-Ajijola, towards supporting the fight against breast cancer.
Umar-Ajijola encouraged participants to show the same level of diligence they apply to their Customs responsibilities when it comes to their personal health.
“When you are not sure, always ask and always check. No one has to fight this alone,” she said.
The programme featured a health talk, medical session, survivor testimony and a question-and-answer segment, providing participants with practical information on breast cancer prevention, detection and treatment.
The event concluded with free breast cancer screening for officers and other participants, giving practical expression to the Service’s call for early detection and regular health checks.
DemocracyNewslineNewspaper October 8th, 2026
