The Ogun State Police Command has partnered with The Life Projects and other organisations to deliver a free medical outreach for officers and their families in Abeokuta, marking World Malaria Day 2026.

The event, held on 24 April at the Police Officers’ Mess in Ibara, provided malaria testing, treatment, and preventive care to both police personnel and civilian staff.

Organisers said the initiative aligns with this year’s theme, “Driven to end malaria; Now we can. Now we must,” focusing on prevention and early treatment.

Beneficiaries received free medical consultations, malaria parasite tests, and long-lasting insecticide-treated nets.

Anti-malarial drugs were also distributed during the outreach.

Why it matters

Malaria remains one of the leading public health challenges in Nigeria, affecting millions each year and placing pressure on households and healthcare systems.

By targeting police officers and their families, the programme aims to strengthen workforce health in a sector critical to public safety.

Health experts say prevention campaigns like this can reduce infection rates, especially in densely populated environments such as barracks.

Health education and prevention

In addition to treatment, the outreach included health education sessions.

Participants were advised on environmental hygiene practices and preventive measures, including proper waste disposal and the use of mosquito nets.

Organisers said improving awareness is key to reducing malaria transmission in communities.

Official response

The Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, Bode Ojajuni, said the initiative reflects the force’s commitment to officer welfare.

“This partnership underscores the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to the ‘Health is Wealth’ mantra,” he said.

“A healthy workforce is fundamental to maintaining public safety and effective policing.”

He also thanked The Life Projects and its partners for supporting the wellbeing of officers.

What’s next

Organisers say similar collaborations could be expanded to other commands and communities as part of broader malaria prevention efforts.

Public health advocates continue to call for sustained investment in awareness, treatment access, and environmental control measures.

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), says the upcoming National Drug Control Master Plan (NDCMP 2026–2030) will significantly strengthen Nigeria’s fight against illicit drugs.

He spoke on Thursday at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja while receiving the final evaluation report on the implementation of the 2021–2025 master plan.

Marwa said the new framework would build on previous gains and deepen ongoing reforms.

“I must commend your commitment, diligence and the excellent job you have done on the evaluation of the NDCMP 2021–2025,” he said.

“Your acknowledgement of the successes recorded by the agency in the course of implementing the drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction pillars of the master plan is equally well appreciated.”

He added:

“I want it on record that by the time the NDCMP 2026–2030 is fully ready and implemented, we’ll achieve much more under the renewed hope administration of President Bola Tinubu to the benefits of Nigerians and the country as a whole.”

Why It Matters

Drug abuse remains a growing concern in Nigeria, affecting young people, families and communities.

The NDLEA’s master plan serves as Nigeria’s central strategy for reducing both drug supply and drug demand.

The evaluation report reviewed progress under the 2021–2025 framework, identifying achievements and areas requiring improvement — particularly in drug demand reduction.

Marwa said the next phase would adopt a “serious and holistic” approach, promising measurable outcomes in public health and national security.

Expert Assessment

The evaluation was led by Prof Ibrahim Abdu Wakawa, Head of the Mental Health Department at the University of Maiduguri.

Speaking earlier, Prof Wakawa praised Marwa’s leadership and said the agency had surpassed many expectations outlined in the 2021–2025 plan.

He expressed confidence that identified gaps — especially in prevention and rehabilitation — would be addressed in the next cycle.

Two retired Assistant Commanders General of Narcotics, Mrs Ngozi Oguejiofor and Mrs Ibiba Odili, who previously headed the NDCMP secretariat at different times, were also part of the evaluation team.

What’s Next?

The NDCMP 2026–2030 is currently being finalised.

Once approved, it will guide Nigeria’s anti-drug policies for the next five years.

Implementation is expected to involve coordination between health institutions, law enforcement agencies, civil society groups and international partners.

For Nigerians, the outcome could affect everything from community safety to access to addiction treatment services.

Polaris Bank is offering free breast cancer screenings to 100 women nationwide as part of its activities for World Cancer Day, which falls on 4 February. The initiative is in partnership with Care Organization and Public Enlightenment (C.O.P.E), a non-governmental organization focused on community health awareness.

Why it matters

Early detection is widely recognized as one of the most effective tools in fighting cancer. By removing financial barriers, Polaris Bank hopes to empower women to seek timely medical intervention, contributing to better health outcomes and supporting broader economic and social wellbeing.

The bank is also continuing its free prostate cancer screening programme, previously launched for men aged 40 and above, which has provided testing for 250 participants nationwide. The prostate screenings take place at the Men’s Clinic, 18 Commercial Avenue, Sabo, Yaba, Lagos.

Community and Expert Voices

Rasheed Bolarinwa, Group Head of Brand Management & Corporate Communications at Polaris Bank, highlighted the importance of preventive care:

“Early detection remains one of the most effective tools in the fight against cancer. By bringing screening services closer to communities, we are empowering individuals with the knowledge and resources they need for timely medical intervention.”

Healthcare professionals from C.O.P.E will lead the breast cancer screenings, offering both tests and educational guidance on prevention, self-examination, and follow-up care.

Medical experts note that integrating screening into community programs helps reduce late-stage cancer diagnoses. Dr. Ifeoma Chukwu, a Lagos-based oncologist, said:

“Community-centered initiatives like this are critical. They provide women with access to services they might otherwise delay due to cost or lack of awareness.”

Social Impact and SDG Alignment

The initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being: Promotes preventive healthcare and early detection.

SDG 5 – Gender Equality: Prioritizes women’s health and empowerment.

SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals: Leverages collaboration with civil society organizations to achieve community impact.

Educational campaigns and digital outreach will accompany the screenings, reinforcing awareness about lifestyle choices, regular medical check-ups, and early detection.

Event Details

The flagship breast cancer screening will be held on Saturday, 21 February 2026, at the C.O.P.E Centre, 39B Adeniyi Jones Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Participation requirements include:

Women must be Polaris Bank account holders.

Pre-registration is required. Selection is based on confirmed early submissions.

Eligible participants can register here: bit.ly/BCS2026.

Polaris Bank encourages men to support the health of their families by urging their female relatives to register. Men aged 40 and above can also take advantage of the ongoing free prostate cancer screening programme.