By Peace Udugba -The Daily Torch Media
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Tuesday flagged off a sensitization campaign to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month at its Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, reinforcing its commitment to early detection, prevention, and officer wellness.
The event, themed “Inspect, Detect, Protect,” brought together senior officers, medical experts, and key stakeholders to promote health awareness and eliminate social stigma surrounding the disease.
Representing the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of ICT and Modernisation, Oluyomi Adebakin, emphasized that early diagnosis remains the most effective tool in fighting breast cancer.
“Cancer is not a stigma, nor is it the end of life. It is a time to give attention to those affected and offer them hope,” Adebakin said. “Together, we can build a healthier Service, healthier communities, and a stronger nation. Officers must remain proactive about their personal health.”
Delivering the keynote address as the Special Guest of Honour, the President of the Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA), Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi, urged female officers and wives of personnel to prioritize regular self-examinations and timely medical checkups.
“You must be alive before you get promoted—check on yourself,” Mrs. Adeniyi stated. She noted that women frequently put family needs ahead of their own wellbeing, leaving early warning signs unchecked. She also cautioned that breast cancer affects men as well, encouraging male officers to support screenings within their families.
Highlighting the event was a major financial boost for cancer care: a ₦50 million pledge by Dr. Jummai Umar-Ajijola, Managing Director of Trade Modernisation Project Limited, to support ongoing awareness and medical interventions within the Service.
“When you are not sure, always ask and always check. No one has to fight this alone,” Umar-Ajijola remarked, encouraging officers to apply the same vigilance to their physical health as they do to border security and trade operations.
Fauziya Abubakar, Project Manager of the BOYA Project—which has spearheaded breast cancer advocacy within the NCS for three years—underlined the necessity of continuous education and accessible screening facilities across commands.
The event featured expert-led health talks, an interactive Q&A session, survivor testimonies, and free clinical breast cancer screenings for officers and attendees.
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