Investing in women’s health not optional, says FG

The Federal Government of Nigeria has emphasized that investing in women's health is crucial for achieving the country's economic goal of becoming a $1 trillion economy. Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, made this statement at the inaugural Her Health, Her Power Conference Africa 2026, which focused on women's health, empowerment, and leadership.

The conference, organized by the VickyHeldan Empowerment Foundation, brought together stakeholders from various sectors to discuss the importance of women's health in economic development.

Suleiman-Ibrahim stressed that without prioritizing women's health, Nigeria's economic aspirations could not be realized. She urged stakeholders from government, the private sector, civil society organizations, healthcare professionals, and other sectors to collaborate and translate ideas generated at the conference into measurable action.

Former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, echoed this sentiment, urging political leaders to give greater attention to women's access to healthcare and education, linking women's health with economic growth.

The founder of the VickyHeldan Empowerment Foundation, Dr. Victory Njoku, emphasized that the conference was just the beginning of a broader campaign to advance women's health across Africa. The foundation plans to take this initiative further through community-based outreach programs focusing on maternal health, reproductive healthcare, mental wellness, education, and leadership.

These efforts aim to propel women into conversations and decisions concerning their development, health, and wellbeing, not just in Nigeria but across the African continent.