Laraba Murey
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists,NAWOJ, FCT Chapter, has called for increased awareness on breast cancer and emphasized the need for sustained infection prevention measures across health facilities
The Association made this call during its October Congress held at the NUJ FCT Secretariat in on Saturday in Abuja, where the Chairperson Comrade Bassey Ita Ikpang, stressed the urgent need for women to prioritize regular breast self-examinations and screenings, especially in observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
"The congress urges all females to examine their breasts regularly and take necessary precautions, including screenings, as early detection is key to successful treatment," she stated.
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Statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO) show that breast cancer remains the most common cancer among Nigerian women, with over 26,000 new cases recorded annually. This figure underscores the need for proactive health checks, as early diagnosis could reduce breast cancer mortality by up to 30 percent.
The congress also featured a lecture by Khadijat Bobboi, a health and security expert from the Africa Health Budget Network, AHBN, who sought NAWOJ’s continued support in media campaigns promoting Infection Prevention and Control IPC.
According to Bobboi, “We are soliciting continuous collaboration with NAWOJ FCT towards effective media campaigns for appropriate funding and awareness of Infection Prevention Control."
Bobboi explained that phase one of the IPC project had successfully built health workers' capacity but noted that the budget allocation for IPC was removed after 2023.
"There is a need for intense advocacy to reinstate this budget line in 2025 to ensure continued health protection for Nigerians,” she stressed.
The congress also tackled pressing security issues within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with concerns raised about rising "one-chance" incidents and the safety threats posed by scavengers. In their resolutions, NAWOJ FCT called on security agencies to take urgent action to protect lives and property across Abuja.
Additionally, NAWOJ FCT commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for his efforts to address street begging in Abuja. The association, however, stressed the importance of implementing rehabilitation programs for beggars to ensure a sustainable solution.
During the congress, the Grace Ike consultation team addressed members, informing them of Grace Ike’s intention to contest for the office of Chairman in the upcoming NUJ FCT election.
The congress further lauded President Bola Tinubu for appointing women to key ministerial positions, urging the new Minister of Women Affairs to prioritize girl child protection and enforce the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act.
In line with NAWOJ’s commitment to supporting the public interest, the congress also called for a downward review of the pump price of fuel, stressing that frequent hikes have exacerbated the economic hardships faced by Nigerians.
The October Congress was well-attended, with notable guests, including past NAWOJ President Evelyn Onyilo and three former FCT NAWOJ chairpersons, alongside 56 members.
The Communiqué Drafting Committee, comprised of Fransica Ogar (ITV), Nkechi Onyeneke (Federal Ministry of Information), and Chidinma Ugoh Ibekwe (Love FM), presented the resolutions on behalf of the congress.