COWA PTML Joins Global Fight Against Breast Cancer with Free Screening Initiative
By Lucy Nyambi
The Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA), Port & Terminal Multi-Services Limited (PTML) Chapter, has joined the global campaign against breast cancer with the flag-off of a free breast cancer screening initiative, aimed at promoting early detection and saving lives.
The event, which took place on Wednesday, 22 October 2025, at the PTML Area Command, brought together COWA members, female customs officers, stakeholders, and members of the maritime community to raise awareness on the importance of regular health checks and early diagnosis.
In her welcome address, the Chairperson of COWA PTML Chapter, Mrs. Caroline Anani, expressed appreciation to the National President of COWA, Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi, for her exemplary leadership and continuous support.
Mrs. Anani highlighted that breast cancer remains a major public health challenge in Nigeria, with many cases diagnosed at advanced stages due to low awareness and limited access to medical resources.
“Cancer does not discriminate; it touches boardrooms and communities alike and neither should our response to it. We must stand united, informed, and unyielding in education and prevention about it,” she said.
She announced that the PTML Chapter would offer free breast screening throughout the month of October, encouraging both members and non-members to take advantage of the initiative. “This is one of the many ways we shall be reaching out to women because a sound health is the backbone of a happy life,” she added.
Declaring the event open, the Customs Area Controller, PTML Area Command, Comptroller Joe Anani, commended COWA for its proactive approach to health advocacy.
“This programme speaks to a very important issue that concerns us as family members. Today, COWA PTML Chapter is helping to bridge the awareness gap and create access to testing, the foundation of breast cancer prevention and management,” he said.
He stressed that early detection remains the most effective way to combat the disease, urging COWA members, female officers, licensed customs agents, and stakeholders to utilise the opportunity.
The Customs Area Controller of Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT) Command, Comptroller Joy Edeldouk, also lauded the initiative, underscoring the need for women to prioritise their health. “It is only a healthy wife that can be a valuable wife to her husband, and it’s only a valuable wife that can give her husband rest,” she remarked.
The awareness session featured discussions on risk factors, symptoms, and prevention strategies for breast cancer, concluding with an interactive question-and-answer segment that provided participants with vital insights on health management and preventive care.
