First Lady Pledges Increased Advocacy For Women’s Health

Abuja, Dec. 12, 2012 (NAN) The First Lady, Mrs Patience Jonathan, on Tuesday pledged not to relent in efforts to promote the wellbeing of Nigerian women.

She made the pledge in Abuja during the launch of a book, "Health Journalism: A Journey with Moji Makanjuola’", authored by Mrs Moji Makanjuola, a broadcast journalist.

Jonathan also advised policy makers to initiate policies that would enhance the living conditions of the Nigerian woman.

"On my part, I pledge not to relent in advocating for the advancement of the conditions of our women and for the improvement of standards in our health sector because in most cases, women are more vulnerable to health threats."

The First Lady commended Makanjuola to write the book, which she described as a vital contribution to efforts to improve the health sector and enhance nation building.

"I regard this book, not only as a symbol of the noble, industrious spirit of the African woman, but also as a great contribution to the improvement of our health sector and nation building."

"This is on account of the high value of the book’s contents to health care providers, scholars as well as the people."

"I am, therefore, confident, that the information presented in this publication will be of great assistance to policy makers and the various professionals involved in healthcare delivery,’" - she said.

In his keynote address, Dr Paul Orhii, the Director-General of NAFDAC, lauded Makanjuola for her passion in health reportage, saying that "her love for women issues enabled her to carve a niche for herself globally."

"Engaging the multimedia on public health issues is expedient, as Moji Makanjuola’s efforts have brought immense relief to health care delivery in Nigeria.’"

Also speaking, Gov. Idris Wada of Kogi commended Makanjuola for disseminating the information which she had gathered over the years.

Senate President David Mark, who was represented by Sen. Ifeanyi Ukoha, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Health, also praised the writer for documenting her experience as a health reporter.

"I believe the book will help in advocacy and health campaigns, as we need journalists to pass appropriate health information across," - Mark added.

Hajiya Aisha Babangida-Shinkafi, who represented former President Ibrahim Babangida, unveiled the book to the public and lauded Makanjuola for her selflessness and other virtues.In her vote of thanks, Makanjuola gave a brief overview of her life and thanked her husband for his "solid support and understanding through the years."

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that ministers, ex-ministers, past and serving members of the National Assembly, heads of parastatal agencies and governors’ wives are some of the dignitaries who attended the book launch.