As Officers’ Wives Associations Unite to Advance Cancer Advocacy and Care (WORLD CANCER DAY)

The Armed Forces of Nigeria and the Police Officers’ Wives Associations (OWAs), on Wednesday 4 February 2026, united under the auspices of the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association ( DEPOWA) to advance cancer advocacy through a Joint World Cancer Day Summit held at the Nigerian Army Conference Centre and Suites, Asokoro, Abuja.

The historic Summit, widely hailed as the first of its kind in many years, demonstrated DEPOWA’s central leadership and unifying role in convening the sister associations for a shared purpose: addressing barriers to timely cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Speaking at the summit, the Guest of Honour and President of the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs Mernan Femi Oluyede, underscored the urgent need for sustained and coordinated action to address persistent gaps in cancer care.

She observed that despite progress in awareness and treatment, many Nigerians continued to face significant challenges, including high treatment costs, geographical limitations and inadequate health infrastructure, which hindered access to timely diagnosis and effective care.

Mrs Oluyede described World Cancer Day as more than a symbolic observance, noting that it represented a global call to action to confront the far-reaching impact of cancer on individuals, families and communities. She explained that the 2026 theme, “United by Unique,” highlighted the deeply personal nature of every cancer journey, while reinforcing the importance of unity among institutions and communities in achieving inclusive and lasting solutions.

According to her, while every cancer experience is unique, collective action remains the most powerful tool for driving meaningful change and saving lives. She commended the sister associations for their collaboration in jointly hosting the summit, describing it as a strong statement of solidarity and a renewed commitment to the fight against cancer.

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