The president of the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs Oghogho Musa, has urged Nigerian women to prioritise their health, especially through proper nutrition, to live longer and lead more productive lives.
Speaking during the DEPOWA Health Talk held in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, Mrs Musa emphasised that health is not merely the absence of disease but a complete state of physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
“As mothers and aunties playing pivotal roles in nation-building, we must understand that when a woman is healthy, a nation is stronger. This event is more than just a seminar or health talk—it is a movement, a call to action. We can no longer afford to neglect ourselves in the name of sacrifice,” she stated.
She encouraged women to reflect on their lifestyle habits, asking, “Am I sleeping well? Am I eating right? Am I checking in—not just on my children or spouse—but on my own body?”
According to her, age should never be an excuse for ignoring one’s health. “If we can plan events, manage homes, and oversee long-term projects, then we can certainly schedule regular check-ups,” she said.
Read Also: Religious Leaders Unite to Eradicate Gender-Based Violence
Mrs Musa highlighted that while DEPOWA’s mission has traditionally been centred on service, the organisation is now expanding its focus to include self-care for its members.
“We must begin to serve ourselves with the same intentionality and dedication that we give to others,” she added.
She also stressed the importance of prevention, early detection, mental wellness, and lifestyle changes, reminding the audience of the quote by Rupert Urich: “A healthier outside starts from the inside.”
Mrs Musa extended her gratitude to the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, whom she described as a mother, mentor, and founder of the Renewed Hope Initiative, for her constant support and guidance.
Also speaking at the event, the National Coordinator for Women Living with HIV and AIDS in Nigeria, Esther Atta, underscored the critical role of good health in productivity and personal fulfilment.
“Health is wealth, and you cannot give what you don’t have. As long as women are healthy, they can be productive. Health encompasses not just the physical but also emotional, mental, and even spiritual well-being,” Atta said.
She advocated for deliberate efforts to prioritise health through proper medical care, nutrition, and emotional resilience. “We must take responsibility for our own health and make conscious choices to improve it.”
Atta also addressed the importance of nutrition, stating, “Our food should be our medicine, and our medicine should be our food. Every medicine we take is derived from something we eat.”
On the topic of HIV, she clarified that although there is currently no cure, transmission from mother to child can be prevented with proper care.
“The first step is attending antenatal care (ANC) services, where every pregnant woman is tested for HIV. If positive, immediate treatment is provided—free of charge,” she said.
She explained that with consistent treatment, HIV-positive mothers can give birth to HIV-negative babies.
“HIV is a condition, not a death sentence. With the right medication, taken once daily, individuals can live normal, healthy lives,” she concluded.