Metro
POWA Gives Free Cancer Screening Test to 400 Women in Lagos
Free breast cancer and cervical cancer screening was conducted for all women present at the POWA Hall, Ikeja GRA, Lagos. This was at the behest of the Wife of the Inspector General of Police and Police Officers Wives Association, POWA’s National President, Hajiya Hajara Usman Alkali Baba which is currently holding a 4-day health outreach in Lagos Command.
The health awareness and screening programme targeted at minimum of 400 women over the four days is organized in collaboration with Monitor Healthcare Ltd.
The outreach is hinged on one of the 3-Point-Agenda of Hajiya Hajara Alkali Baba, the wife of Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba. Her focus areas are health, wealth, and education. In attendance at the cancer screening outreach were wives of DIGs, AIGs, Police Commissioners from other states, some national executives of POWA and members of POWA Lagos Chapter.
Speaking at the health outreach, Hajiya Hajara Usman Alkali Baba, the wife of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba noted: ‘This outreach is quite timely when Nigerian women bear the highest cancer burden as the top cancers namely breast, cervical, and ovarian cancer mostly occur in women. As a responsive and proactive organization, POWA, under my leadership is ever willing and ready to partner with bodies in the fight to defeat this monster called cancer.’
‘The activity going on today is eradication of cancer in the society, in the Police family. I want to encourage all women to get tested. The screening for cancer will not stop here. It will move to other states. We did in Kogi state two months go and we are in Lagos today, we will visit other states. If we discover that any of our women is down with cancer during the screening, we will let the IGP know and we allow him to make decision on how we can cater for them. We are under the Police’.
‘We did a road walk in the morning. It is part of my 3-point agenda whch covers health. Every woman in the Police formation should spend 30 minutes to 1 hour in doing exercise. Whatever you are doing today, doctors will tell you to do exercise so I want my women to inculcate the habit. It will take burden out of our health challenge’, she said about the Fitness and Wellness Road Walk that was held around 8am in the Ikeja axis.
On how she is addressing other areas of her 3-Point Agenda, ‘I have been going round to do empowerment. Lagos was my starting point and I have gone to 11 states to support the poorer women in POWA’, Hajiya Hajara Usman Alkali Baba revealed to the President of National Association of Online Security News Publishers, Oki Samson at the Road Walk Exercise.
On her part, Mrs. Tosin Abiodun Alabi, the wife of Lagos CP Abiodun Alabi was elated to receive the wife of the IGP who came all the way from Abuja. She welcomed Hajiya Hajara Usman Alkali Baba to the 4-day event which is focused on cancer awareness and screening. ‘This is a platform for women, especially wives of Police officers here in Lagos and of course, Nigeria’, she said.
Mrs. Alabi then emphasized the fact that cancer is killing women and what they need to do as wives of Police officers is to create awareness about the dangers. She also mentioned the need for early detection of breast cancer and cervical cancer.
The 4-day event was kicked off with the opening charge given by the Lagos Police PRO, CSP Adekunle Ajisebutu. He gave way for Mrs. Anthony, an Assistant Commissioner of Police and National Secretary of Police Officers Wives Association (POWA) to give a short welcome remark. She talked about the fact that breast cancer and cervical cancer is quite common in women aged 20 to the 40s.
The MD/CEO of Monitor Healthcare Ltd., Dr. Babafemi Ogunremi gave a detailed enlightenment on cancer and its dangers. He also shared tips on how women can check themselves at home and head to the hospital if they notice anything wrong. The UK-based doctor then gave way for the testing proper to commence. It was conducted by the health officials present and was flagged off as the wife of the IGP, Hajia Hajara Usman Alkali Baba and wife of CP, Mrs. Tosin Alabi were first to get tested.
The Federal government has declared Friday, May 1, a public holiday to commemorate this year’s International Workers’ Day.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the announcement on behalf of the government.
In a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Magdalene Ajani, the minister congratulated workers nationwide, commending their commitment and contributions to national development.
He noted that the dedication of Nigerian workers remains vital to the country’s growth and economic progress, urging them to sustain values of patriotism, productivity and diligence.
Tunji-Ojo also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving workers’ welfare, enhancing security and creating an enabling environment for economic expansion.
He called on Nigerians to remain peaceful and law-abiding during the celebration, encouraging citizens to reflect on the importance of unity and hard work in nation-building.
The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has expressed concern over the rising pressure on workers’ welfare and economic conditions of the country.
The Congress warned that it would embark on nationwide protest, if there is no improvement.
The warning was conveyed in in a communiqué jointly signed by the TUC President, Mr. Festus Osifo, and Secretary-General, Mr. Nuhu Toro, at the end of its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja.
The Congress said the NEC meeting reviewed the state of the nation, developments within the congress, preparations for the 2026 May Day celebration, and other critical issues affecting Nigerian workers.
“The prevailing economic hardship has significantly affected the living standards of Nigerian workers, making daily survival increasingly difficult.
“We are closely monitoring the situation, and if there is no improvement, the congress will have no option but to mobilise workers in defence of their welfare.
“Government must urgently take concrete steps to address the rising cost of living and restore confidence in the economy,” it said.
The Congress said rising fuel prices, inflation, electricity tariff increases and insecurity had combined to erode workers’ purchasing power and living standards.
It noted that global developments, including the Iran–U.S. conflict, were further worsening economic pressures through higher energy costs and supply chain disruptions.
According to the TUC, Nigerian workers have not benefited from higher global oil prices but continue to face rising costs of transportation, food and essential services.
It urged the Federal Government to deploy excess crude revenue to cushion economic shocks and support vulnerable citizens.
The congress also called for urgent measures to stabilise fuel prices, improve electricity supply, and address insecurity nationwide.
It emphasised the need for policies that promote decent work, job security and social protection.
“The government must prioritise the welfare, dignity and security of Nigerian workers in all policy decisions,” it said.
The TUC further called for tax relief for manufacturing companies and workers to ease economic pressure and stimulate productivity.
On electricity, it condemned repeated tariff increases without improved service delivery and demanded fair pricing, universal metering, and an end to estimated billing.
The congress expressed concern over rising insecurity, describing it as a major threat to economic activities and workers’ safety.
It urged government at all levels to adopt coordinated, intelligence-driven strategies to protect lives, farms, businesses and critical infrastructure.
“A stitch in time saves nine,” the communiqué added.
A small-scale grocery seller from Plateau State, Ejiofor Akujieze, has emerged the grand prize winner of ₦5 million in the Golden Morn Golden Hunt, a nationwide consumer campaign by Nestlé Nigeria that rewarded Nigerians with a total of ₦80 million in cash and prizes.
Akujieze, who expressed surprise at his win, described the moment as life-changing. “It came as a shock to me. I won ₦5 million, and it will go a long way. I am very grateful,” he said, noting that the prize will support the expansion of his grocery business.
The Golden Morn Golden Hunt, which commenced in January 2026, recorded strong participation from consumers across the country, with over 200,000 entries received. Designed around Golden Morn’s smaller, affordable pack sizes to encourage wider participation, the campaign made it easier for more Nigerians to take part. At the end of seven draws, a total of 16,324 winners emerged, receiving cash prizes ranging from ₦10,000 to ₦1 million, alongside airtime rewards and exciting items such as washing machines, MacBooks, iPhones, and 55-inch televisions, in addition to the grand prize.
Speaking on the campaign, Omofasa Orhiunu, Category Manager, Healthy Cereals at Nestlé Nigeria, said the initiative was designed to connect more closely with consumers while giving them an opportunity to experience the brand.
“Golden Morn has been part of everyday life for Nigerian families, and with the Golden Hunt, we wanted more people to experience that,” he said. “It gave both our loyal consumers and new ones the opportunity to enjoy a nourishing product that fits into their daily routines, while also being rewarded in a simple and accessible way.”
Also speaking, Wassim Elhusseini, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé Nigeria Plc, said the campaign reflects the company’s commitment to creating value for consumers beyond its products.
“For over 40 years, Golden Morn has been nourishing Nigerian families and earning their trust,” he said. “The Golden Hunt was our way of recognising that trust and giving back in a way that is meaningful and inclusive. What has been most inspiring are the real stories behind the wins, how this has made a difference in people’s lives. That is what truly matters to us.”
Golden Morn, a cherished homegrown brand, continues to provide wholesome nourishment made from carefully selected grains. It is enriched through its Grain Smart blend, which combines essential vitamins and minerals to support energy and overall wellbeing for individuals and families.
Through initiatives like the Golden Hunt, Nestlé Nigeria continues to strengthen its connection with consumers while delivering on its commitment to providing accessible, nutritious food and supporting thriving communities across the country.
