Valentine: Federal Government, Experts Raise Alarm Over Maternal Health Risks

The federal government and health experts have called on public office holders across Nigeria to prioritise women’s health and ensure that funds allocated to the sector were transparently utilised.

They made the call during the 2026 Valentine’s Day “Love Her Health: Walk for Women and Girls” charity walk organised by Voice of Women Evolution (VOWE) Foundation in collaboration with Maternal Health Initiatives for Mothers in Abuja.

The walk brought together health advocates, volunteers, and community leaders to raise awareness about maternal mortality, limited access to quality healthcare, and socio-economic barriers preventing women from seeking proper medical care.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, said healthy women strengthen families, communities, and the nation.

The Minister, who was represented by a health desk officer in the ministry, Gloria Micheal, emphasised the importance of preventive care and timely access to healthcare services.

“Loving her health goes beyond exercise. It means ensuring that women and girls have timely access to quality healthcare, including maternal and reproductive services, mental health support, nutrition, cancer screening, and preventive care,” the Minister stated.

Founder of Voice of Women Evolution, Sophie Uzodimma, said the walk was designed to promote “agape love,” especially for single mothers, widows, and divorced women who may feel isolated on Valentine’s Day.

“We chose Valentine’s Day because we want to preach agape love for women and mothers, especially those who feel alone on days like this. We want them to know their health matters,” she said.

She also urged Nigerians to complement government efforts by supporting vulnerable women in their communities.

“We must not always wait for the government. Help that pregnant woman who lives beside you. Help your neighbour. Women need love and support, especially mothers,” she added.

Also speaking, the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Chinyere Ekomaru, said February 14 should not only be seen as a celebration of romantic love but as an opportunity to promote women’s health and maternal wellbeing.

Describing the initiative as “awesome and amazing,” Ekomaru commended the organisers for redefining Valentine’s Day through practical acts of love for women.

“Usually, we celebrate February 14 as Valentine’s Day, but this is a different way of showing love to the people you care for. The healthier the women are—both in maternal healthcare and general health—the healthier the society becomes,” she said.

The Deputy Governor praised the governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, for investments in primary healthcare and women-focused medical services.

While acknowledging federal allocations to states for healthcare, Ekomaru stressed that implementation rests with state authorities.

“If funds are allocated for health, especially women’s health, they must be used for that purpose. There is no need to divert funds meant for women’s health to other things. Public officers must help their people,” she urged.

Founder of Maternal Health Initiatives for Mothers, Dr. Sandra Uzodimma, emphasised the need to redefine love as self-love, particularly during a woman’s maternal health journey.

“Today is traditionally associated with romantic love, but we want to redefine love as self-love. Women go through so much during pregnancy and childbirth. Some do not even have access to proper facilities for safe delivery,” she said.

She acknowledged ongoing government efforts but stressed that more policies and practical interventions are needed to tackle Nigeria’s maternal mortality challenges.

“There are still communities where women suffer and die while giving life. We must continue to advocate for better healthcare facilities, supportive policies, and accessible maternal services,” she added.