BY EMMA PETER, ABUJA
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has renewed its commitment to promoting early detection and prevention of breast cancer with a sensitisation programme held at its headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.
The programme, organised on October 6, 2026, as part of activities marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month, was held under the theme, “Inspect, Detect, Protect,” and brought together Customs officers, health professionals and stakeholders.
Representing the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Information and Communication Technology and Modernisation, Oluyomi Adebakin, said increased awareness was essential to changing perceptions about cancer and encouraging affected persons to seek appropriate medical care.
Adebakin urged officers to pay greater attention to their health, noting that cancer should not be treated as a source of stigma or regarded as a death sentence.
“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, especially women, to make regular health checks a priority.
She observed that many women devoted significant attention to caring for their families while neglecting their personal health, stressing that early detection could significantly improve the chances of successful treatment.
“Fellow officers, you must be alive before you get promoted. Check on yourself,” she told the participants.
Adeniyi also drew attention to the fact that breast cancer is not exclusive to women, urging male officers to remain vigilant and support women in their families and communities.
The Project Manager of the BOYA Project, Fauziya Abubakar, disclosed that the project had sustained breast cancer awareness activities within the Customs Service for three years.
She emphasised the need for continuous sensitisation and regular screening, describing early detection as a critical step in tackling the disease.
In a major show of support for the campaign, the Managing Director of Trade Modernisation Project Limited, Dr Jummai Umar-Ajijola, pledged ₦50 million towards efforts aimed at combating breast cancer.
Umar-Ajijola urged participants to demonstrate the same level of diligence they apply to their official responsibilities in taking care of their health.
“When you are not sure, always ask and always check. No one has to fight this alone,” she said.
The event featured a health talk, medical session, survivor testimony and interactive question-and-answer session.
It concluded with free breast cancer screening for Customs officers and other participants, providing attendees with an opportunity to put the awareness messages into practice through early health checks.
