FG, Amaechi Commend Njoku's Push for Stronger Investment in Women's Health (video: AbujaPress TV). The Federal Government and former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, have backed the call by the Founder of VickyHeldan Empowerment Foundation, Dr. Victory Njoku, for increased investment in women's health, empowerment and leadership across Africa. The endorsement came at the maiden Her Health, Her Power Conference Africa 2026 in Abuja, themed "Leading with Wellness for a Sustainable Africa."
Speaking through Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, DG of the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women's Development, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, said: "If we are serious about a $1 trillion Nigerian economy, then investing in women's health is not optional. It is foundational," calling for collaboration among government, private sector, civil society and healthcare professionals, and urging stakeholders to translate conference ideas into measurable action.
Amaechi said women's health must not be separated from economic growth, recalling that his administration established health centres in every village, each with a medical doctor and two nurses, and paid N10,000 to women who attended antenatal care. Dr. Victory Njoku said the foundation will take action beyond the conference room through community outreach focused on maternal health, reproductive care, mental wellness, education and leadership, hoping the initiative grows into a broader African platform.
The conference featured four panels: Maternal Health Care (moderated by Ruth Chukwueke); Leadership and Innovation (Dr. Uzoamaka Orakwue); Reproductive Health (Jennifer Odufuwa); and Health Wellness (Ujuaku Akukwue), bringing together stakeholders from health, development, business, media and humanitarian sectors.
