As Nigeria joins the world in celebrating Mother’s Day, former Anambra State governor Peter Obi has used the occasion to highlight the dire challenges faced by mothers across the country, particularly in maternal healthcare.
In a statement posted on his X page on Sunday, Obi acknowledged the invaluable contributions of Nigerian mothers to families and society while emphasising the urgent need to improve their welfare.
He lamented the alarming maternal mortality rate in Nigeria, citing a 2023 UN report that reveals nearly 28.5 per cent of global maternal deaths occur in the country.
The report he said further states that a Nigerian woman has a 1 in 19 lifetime risk of dying during pregnancy, childbirth, or postpartum—starkly contrasting with the 1 in 4,900 risks in developed nations.
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“These are direct consequences of not investing in the very critical areas of national development—health, education, and fighting poverty. Just like men, women and mothers are also victims of our bad decisions and misplaced priorities as leaders,” Obi stated.
He called for increased investment in healthcare, economic empowerment for women, and stronger policies to protect and uplift mothers.
He urged Nigerians to commit to supporting and appreciating mothers, stating that with their unwavering strength, a ‘New Nigeria remains possible.’
