WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY, BREAST CANCER AWARENESS & INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE GIRL CHILD: NAOWA 7 DIVISION CHAPTER ADVANCES WOMEN’S HEALTH AND EMPOWERMENT IN MAIDUGURI

Maiduguri, Borno State | October 12, 2025

In alignment with the vision of the President of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), Mrs. Mernan Femi Oluyede, the NAOWA 7 Division Chapter has successfully hosted a two-day event to commemorate World Mental Health Day, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the International Day of the Girl Child in Maiduguri, Borno State.

Held from 10th to 11th October 2025 at the NAOWA Secretariat, Maimalari Cantonment, the event brought together women, girls, healthcare professionals, and senior military personnel for a meaningful programme centered on health awareness, education, and empowerment.
The series of lectures and interactive sessions were delivered by seasoned professionals who addressed the critical importance of mental well-being, early breast cancer detection, and the empowerment of the girl child. The programme highlighted the pressing health and social challenges facing women and girls, particularly within military communities and conflict-affected regions like the Northeast.
Keynote Address by Brig. Gen. Unachukwu
The Special Guest of Honour, Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division and Commander Sector 1, Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai, Brigadier General Ugochukwu Unachukwu, delivered a powerful keynote address. He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to mental health and the overall well-being of its personnel and their families.

Brig. Gen. Unachukwu disclosed that trained psychologists have been deployed to military medical facilities to ensure soldiers and their families receive the mental health support they need. He highlighted the increasing emotional and social pressures in society and the critical need to normalize conversations around mental health within the barracks community.
He further emphasized the importance of routine medical checkups, particularly for early detection of breast cancer. “Good health is the foundation of a fulfilling and productive life,” he noted, urging women to prioritize their health and take proactive steps toward wellness.

A Vision of Empowerment
The event also underscored NAOWA’s broader mission to uplift and empower women and girls through education, health advocacy, and social support. Discussions on the rights and potential of the girl child echoed global efforts to ensure girls are given equal opportunities to thrive in safe, inclusive environments.

Participants left the event with a renewed sense of purpose, knowledge, and access to resources to improve their mental, physical, and emotional well-being.