Economy
Nigeria Health Watch, Stakeholders Seeks Improved Maternal Health
Nigeria Health Watch, Stakeholders Seeks Improved Maternal Health
Nigeria Health Watch, stakeholders seeks improved maternal health. Ms Ihekweazu stated that the gala was an opportunity to find creative ways to ensure that women were heard.
The Managing Director of Nigeria Health Watch, Vivianne Ihekweazu, has called for improved action to enhance maternal health in Nigeria.
Ms Ihekweazu made the call on Friday in Abuja during the organisation’s 2025 edition of the Celebrating Womanhood Art Gala.
The event, organised in collaboration with the National Gallery of Arts and MSD for Mothers, had the theme “Her Strength in Every Story: Creative Expressions for Women’s Health,” marking the third edition of the gala.
Ms Ihekweazu emphasised that maternal health impacted families, communities, and nations, yet disparities in maternal health outcomes, particularly in countries such as Nigeria, remained alarmingly high.
“As of today, Nigeria continues to record one of the highest Maternal Mortality Rates (MMR) globally, with more than 1,000 maternal deaths for every 100,000 live births. This is far off from the UN Sustainable Development Goal to reduce the global MMR to below 70 deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030.
This stark reality is a reminder of the work that remains to be done to ensure every woman has access to the care she needs to survive pregnancy and childbirth,” she stated.
She added that the gala was an opportunity to find creative ways to ensure that women were heard, respected, and empowered to advocate for their health and well-being.
Reflecting on the role of women in pre-colonial African societies, Ms Ihekweazu, noted that they were not passive figures but were active agents in shaping their societies.
She emphasised that these women advocated the needs of their people and ensured their voices were central to decision-making processes.
The Director of MSD for Mothers, Nigeria and Kenya, Iyadunni Olubode, emphasised the importance of women’s health, stating that women were key contributors to the economy both in Nigeria and globally.
She explained that providing women with access to healthcare enhanced the overall health and well-being of the family, as women served as the primary health caretakers in the household.
“It’s the women that are encouraging and ensuring that the men take their medicines, remember the immunisation dates, and take the children for immunisations.
“This serves as an opportunity to not only enhance women’s health through family planning but also to improve the health and well-being of her entire family,” she said.
The Director of Educational Services at the National Gallery of Arts, Ms. Janefrances Gbujie, highlighted the importance of the theme, noting the powerful connection between art and womanhood.
She explained that art-based interventions during pregnancy and the postpartum period positively impacted maternal health by providing emotional expression, social connection, and stress reduction, potentially improving mental health outcomes.
She said, “The impressive array of artworks displayed in this hall showcases not only the enduring spirit of Nigeria’s creative industry but also reveals the power of art in raising awareness and driving social change.”
Nigeria Health Watch
Wife of the ex-governor of Kebbi State, Zainab Bagudu, also spoke on the impact of art in raising awareness about women’s health.
She commended the gala for empowering women whose artworks were featured and encouraged others to include women’s empowerment in their programmes.
She also emphasised that while women were often marginalised, they bore the burden of the family and community when needed.
The first edition of the Celebrating Womanhood Art Gala was held in 2021, and over the years, it has become a platform where healthcare advocacy and creative expression meet.
Nigeria Have No Business In The World Cup Says Jay-Jay Okocha
Nigeria have no business in the World Cup says Jay-Jay Okocha. He stated on BBC that Nigeria have no business in the World Cup if they can’t beat Zimbabwe and Lesotho at home.
“If we fail to beat Zimbabwe and Lesotho in our yard, do we have business in the World Cup? No, it’s embarrassing.
South Africa will play all the remaining games in their own land. You see, the 3 points deduction won’t hurt them; they have a big advantage.”
World Cup Says Jay-Jay Okocha
“If we want to qualify, we have to beat them and hope they lose another game.
Yes, if they lose 2 games, maybe we can have a chance, but at the moment, South Africa are in control mode; every team needs to travel to South Africa and take the number one spot from them,” Okocha concluded.
Bauchi Governor Bala Urges Traditional Rulers To Support Security, Development
Bauchi governor Bala urges traditional rulers to support security, development. He urged traditional leaders to educate their communities on the need for vigilance.
Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has called on traditional rulers to support government efforts in tackling insecurity and fostering progress in the state.
Mr Mohammed made the call on Monday when the Emir of Bauchi, Rilwanu Suleiman and his entourage, paid him an homage at the Government House as part of the 2025 Eid-el-Fitr celebration.
Mr Mohammed, represented by his deputy Auwal Jatau, emphasised the vital role of traditional rulers in maintaining law and order.
He acknowledged the recent security challenges, particularly reports of kidnapping and banditry in Bula District, along the border with Plateau State.
He urged traditional leaders to educate their communities on the need for vigilance and cooperation with security agencies in order to combat criminal activities.
“As we strive to invite investors to Bauchi, we cannot afford to let security challenges discourage them.
“I appeal to our traditional rulers to foster mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and tolerance among their people, regardless of ethnic, religious, or political differences,” he said.
The governor highlighted his administration’s commitment to infrastructural development and social amenities since he assumed office in 2019.
He said that the initiatives have significantly improved the lives of Bauchi residents.
Bala Mohammed
Mt Mohammed reiterated the state government’s dedication to prudent resource management to ensure the continued delivery of democratic dividends.
Responding, the emir pledged his unwavering support to the government’s efforts.
He promised to educate other traditional rulers on the importance of aligning with the administration’s initiatives, particularly in maintaining security and fostering development across the state.
He wished all citizens a peaceful and joyous Eid-el-Fitr celebration.
Mr Suleiman prayed for Almighty Allah’s continued guidance and protection.
Katsina: APC Chieftain Confident Of Tinubu, Governor Radda’s Re-Election In 2027
APC chieftain confident of Tinubu, Gov Radda’s re-election in 2027. He stated that while APC’s victory was not a “do-or-die” matter, he sincerely prayed for it due to the party’s positive impact.
Abdulaziz Maituraka, an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain in Katsina, has declared that the party will form governments at the state and national levels in the 2027 general elections.
Speaking while hosting Katsina’s newly elected council chairman, Isah Miqdad, and his councillors on Monday, Mr Maituraka, the special adviser to the deputy Senate president, expressed confidence in the re-election of President Bola Tinubu.
He also expressed similar optimism for the re-election of Governor Dikko Radda in the upcoming elections.
He stated that while APC’s victory was not a “do-or-die” matter, it was something he sincerely prayed for due to the party’s positive impact, particularly the recent reduction in food prices under Mr Tinubu’s leadership.
Mr Maituraka dismissed concerns over the defections of some politicians to rival parties, calling it a sign that they were heading into uncertain political terrain.
APC
He urged the council chairman and councillors to focus on serving the people and promoting the party in a peaceful and convincing manner to ensure victory in 2027.
Mr Miqdad, in response, thanked Mr Maituraka for hosting them during the Sallah festivities and assured them that he and his councillors would prioritise the interests of the electorate and the ruling party.
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