Trade Modernisation Project Pledges ₦50m to Fight Breast Cancer

By Adebola Muili

The Managing Director of Trade Modernisation Project Limited, Dr Jummai Umar-Ajijola, has pledged ₦50 million to support the fight against breast cancer in Nigeria.

Umar-Ajijola made the pledge on Tuesday during the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Breast Cancer Awareness Month sensitisation programme held at the Service’s headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.

The programme, themed “Inspect, Detect, Protect,” brought together Customs officers, medical professionals and stakeholders to promote awareness, early detection and prevention of breast cancer.

Speaking at the event, Umar-Ajijola urged participants to give greater attention to their health, stressing the importance of early checks and seeking medical advice whenever they were uncertain about changes in their health.

“When you are not sure, always ask and always check. No one has to fight this alone,” she said.

Representing the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Information and Communication Technology and Modernisation, Oluyomi Adebakin, said cancer should not be viewed as a stigma or the end of life.

Adebakin urged officers to remain vigilant about their health, noting that education and sensitisation were critical to early detection and effective management of the disease.

“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, also urged officers, particularly women, to prioritise regular self-examination and seek medical attention promptly when necessary.

Adeniyi observed that women often prioritised the wellbeing of their families while neglecting their own health, stressing that early detection could make a significant difference in the management of breast cancer.

“Fellow officers, you must be alive before you get promoted. Check on yourself,” she said.

She also reminded male officers that breast cancer could affect men, urging them to support women in their families and communities in promoting awareness and early detection

The Project Manager of the BOYA Project, Fauziya Abubakar, said the initiative had sustained breast cancer awareness within the NCS for three years, while calling for continued sensitisation and regular screening.

The event featured a health talk, medical session, survivor testimony and question-and-answer segment, culminating in free breast cancer screening for officers and other participants.