IWD: MWAN honours women leaders, raises alarm over maternal deaths
By Chioma Obinna
As Nigeria marked International Women’s Day 2026, the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria, MWAN, Lagos State branch had warned that preventable maternal deaths remain a national crisis, even as it honoured women breaking barriers across the state’s healthcare system.
The warning came during the association’s March General Meeting/Award ceremony where top female professionals in medicine, public service, academia, and health administration were recognised in line with this year’s International Women’s Day theme: “Give 2 Gain”.
Speaking at the event, MWAN Lagos President, Dr Ime Okon who is also Medical Director/CEO Ibeju-Lekki General Hospital said the awards were designed to celebrate excellence and inspire more women to rise into leadership.
“We give these our very distinguished sisters due recognition and celebrate them,” she said, noting that honourees included female permanent secretaries, medical directors of general hospitals, and senior figures across critical sectors.
Among those celebrated were the first female Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, leaders in police medical services, and top health administrators shaping policy and care delivery in Lagos State.
Okon stressed that the recognition reflects the growing influence of women who have made their mark in different places, citing achievements across clinical care, governance, and academia.
She also highlighted global-standard contributions by members such as Professor Modupe Elebute-Odunsi, Founder, Marcelle Ruth Cancer Centre & Specialist Hospital, described as one of Africa’s leading cancer care facilities.
“Let charity begin at home,” she said. “Our women are being celebrated globally; we must also recognise them here.”
Despite the celebratory tone, the association used the platform to press urgent concerns about maternal and infant mortality, calling for systemic reforms.
Okon urged government at all levels to expand access to healthcare, improve funding, and implement universal health coverage to reduce the financial burden on patients.
“Enough of paying out of pocket. Many people cannot afford it. A healthy woman is a healthy nation.”
Echoing these concerns, award recipient, Dr. Pamela Ajayi who is also the Chairman Bridge Clinic and Immediate Past President of HFN, described maternal mortality as one of the most pressing challenges facing Nigerian women.
“There is a lot of strength and resilience among Nigerian women, and we have made progress. But maternal mortality remains a huge burden, and we must speak out about it.”
She noted that Nigeria bears a significant share of maternal deaths in Africa, attributing the crisis to poor access to quality healthcare, weak regulation of facilities, and preventable complications.
According to her, conditions such as postpartum haemorrhage and preeclampsia, major causes of maternal deaths, can be effectively managed or prevented with timely intervention.
“A simple step taken at the right time can save a life. So why are women still dying when these things can be prevented?”
Ajayi called for stricter enforcement of healthcare standards, improved access to antenatal services, and better monitoring of pregnant women to ensure early detection and treatment of complications.
She also drew attention to broader social challenges affecting women, including limited access to education for girls in some regions, early child marriage, and harmful traditional practices.
“We must not forget our sisters who are still held back,” she added.
The event also featured goodwill messages and prayers from Professor Ibironke Akinsete, the Pioneer Chairman of NACA, then National Action Committee on AIDS who encouraged women to remain steadfast and pursue excellence in their careers.
“Do not say because you are a woman you cannot advance,” she said.
Other awardees, including Dr. Bodunrin Osikomaya, Executive Secretary, Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service, expressed appreciation for the recognition and urged women to continue striving for impact in their respective fields.
Speaking, another awardee, Dr Omolola Salako, a Consultant Clinical Oncologist, Pearl Oncology Specialist Hospital. who expressed gratitude for the award said it marks progress in women’s leadership.
Salako added that there was need for collective action from government, institutions, and citizen to ensure that Nigerian women not only rise to positions of influence but also survive the most basic test of healthcare, childbirth.
The categories of the awardees included Female Medical Directors/CEOs such as Dr Ime Okon, Medical Director/CEO of Ibeju-Lekki General Hospital and President of MWAN Lagos; Dr Omolara Agbaje, Medical Director/CEO of Apapa General Hospital; Dr Adenike Omosun, Medical Director/CEO of Imota General Hospital; Dr Nike Olutekunbi, Medical Director/CEO of Massey Street Children’s Hospital; Dr Oluyemi Taiwo, Medical Director/CEO of Orile Agege General Hospital; and Dr Folasade Fadare, Medical Director/CEO of Harvey Road General Hospital.
For female heads of agencies and government appointees, the awardees included Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, the first female Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), and Dr Bodunrin Osikomaiya, Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service (LSBTS). Among the female Permanent Secretaries recognized were Dr Dayo Lajide of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr Cecilia Mabogunje of the Lagos State Health Service Commission, Dr Emmanuella Zamba of LASHMA, and Dr Monsurat Adeleke of Lagos Health District III.
Other awardees in the private sector category included Dr Pamela Ajayi, Chairman of The Bridge Clinic; Dr Olayemi Dawodu, CEO of Cerba Lancet Nigeria; Dr Omolola Salako, CEO of Pearl Oncology Specialist Hospital; Dr Ngozi Onyia, MD/Founding Partner of Paelon Memorial Hospital; Dr Ifeoma Ricketts, Medical Director at the Nigerian Shippers Council; Yetunde Ayo-Oyalowo, Founder/CEO of Market Doctors; and Prof. Modupe Elebute-Odunsi of the Marcelle Ruth Cancer Centre.