Investing in women’s health not optional, says FG

The Federal Government has emphasized that investing in women's health is essential for achieving Nigeria's goal of becoming a $1tn economy, stating that enhancing women's well-being must be seen as a cornerstone for sustainable development. At the inaugural Her Health, Her Power Conference Africa 2026 in Abuja, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, highlighted that the nation's economic ambitions cannot be realized without prioritizing women's health.

The conference, themed "Leading with Wellness for a Sustainable Africa," convened stakeholders from various sectors to discuss women's health, empowerment, and leadership. Suleiman-Ibrahim, represented by Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, emphasized that the government is enhancing policies and institutional structures to promote women's economic empowerment, gender equality, family development, and protection.

She called for greater collaboration among government, the private sector, civil society organizations, healthcare professionals, and other stakeholders to improve women's outcomes. Suleiman-Ibrahim commended the VickyHeldan Empowerment Foundation for providing a platform to generate commitments towards improving women's health and empowerment but urged participants to translate conference discussions into measurable actions and tangible results.

Former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, also stressed the importance of linking women's health with economic development, urging political leaders and policymakers to prioritize women's access to healthcare and education.