NIGERIAN CONTINGENT 11 PROMOTES BREAST CANCER AWARENESS AMONG HOST COMMUNITY IN THE GAMBIA

NIGERIAN CONTINGENT 11 PROMOTES BREAST CANCER AWARENESS AMONG HOST COMMUNITY IN THE GAMBIA

The Nigerian Contingent 11 of the ECOWAS Mission in The Gambia (ECOMIG) has organised a breast cancer awareness and sensitisation programme for its host community at Yundum Barracks Lower and Upper Basic School, The Gambia. The programme, held on Friday, 30 October 2026, targeted students, women from the host community and female personnel of the Gambian Armed Forces, with emphasis on breast cancer awareness, early detection and timely medical intervention.

The initiative underscores the longstanding bilateral relations between Nigeria and The Gambia, as well as the shared commitment of both countries’ Armed Forces to promoting public health and community welfare.

Delivering his welcome remarks, the Commander, Nigerian Contingent, Lieutenant Colonel Yahaya Mohammed Abdullahi, identified limited awareness, fear, stigma, financial constraints and misconceptions as major barriers to seeking timely medical attention. He therefore emphasised the need for sustained public enlightenment and community engagement to address these challenges. Sharing his personal experience, the Commander disclosed that he lost his wife to breast cancer in 2019 following its late detection, an experience he described as painful and one he would not wish any family to endure. He further explained that the initiative reflected the Contingent’s commitment to Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) and human security, noting that sustainable peace extends beyond physical security to encompass public health, education and the general well-being of the population.

In her remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Director General, National Early Warning and Response Mechanism Coordinating Centre (NCCRM), Ms Binta Singhateh, commended the Nigerian Contingent for organising the programme. She encouraged the students, particularly the girls, to understand their bodies, promptly report unusual changes and share the knowledge acquired with their families and communities. She further stressed that early detection and timely medical intervention remain essential to saving lives.

Similarly, the Command Education Officer, Gambian Armed Forces, Major Ebrima Baldeh, in his vote of thanks, appreciated the Contingent Commander for selecting the school as the venue for the programme. He noted that students, staff and personnel within Yundum Barracks were direct beneficiaries of the initiative and assured the organisers that the knowledge gained would be put to good use and disseminated within the community.

Highlights of the programme included an awareness lecture delivered by the Contingent Medical Officer, Major EC Chukwu, practical demonstrations on breast self-examination by nurses and other health professionals, and the presentation of souvenirs to the Special Guest of Honour and the Chief Host, Lieutenant Colonel Sainey Bayo, Commandant, GAF Defence Camp, Yundum Barracks. Breast cancer screening was also scheduled to take place from 30 to 31 October 2026 at the Nigerian Contingent’s Level 1 Hospital. Other activities included student presentations, refreshments and group photographs.

The programme forms part of NIGCON 11’s sustained CIMIC efforts to strengthen relations with its host community, promote public health and contribute to the welfare of communities within its Area of Responsibility. Through initiatives of this nature, the Contingent continues to demonstrate that effective peace support operations require not only the provision of security but also meaningful engagement and practical contributions to the well-being of the population.

Babale Kela
Captain
Military Public Information Officer
Nigerian Contingent, ECOMIG