BY: EMMANUEL CHUKWUMA, ENUGU.

A top contender for Okigwe North Senatorial seat, under the platform of All Progressives Congress, APC, Princess Gloria Akobundu, has reaffirmed unwavering commitment to eradicating maternal and infant mortality across Imo North senatorial Zone (Okigwe Zone) if elected Senator in the 2027 general elections.

The former National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of the African Union Development Agency – New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD) Nigeria, stressed that she will sign a social contract with the citizenry to measure performance index.

Speaking with newsmen ahead of her engagement with Constituents, which includes women groups, traditional rulers, and healthcare workers in the zone, Dr. Akobundu described the persistent loss of mothers and newborns as “a preventable tragedy that can no longer be tolerated in a zone blessed with resourceful people.”

“Every mother in Ehime Mbano, Ihitte/Uboma, Isiala Mbano, Obowo, Okigwe, and Onuimo deserves quality, accessible, and affordable healthcare. No woman should die while bringing forth life, and no child should lose its life at the beginning of its journey, she stated.

“Nigeria continues to grapple with one of the highest maternal mortality rates globally, with thousands of women dying annually from complications related to pregnancy and childbirth. In the South East and parts of Imo State, challenges such as inadequate primary healthcare facilities, shortage of skilled birth attendants, poor emergency obstetric care, and limited access to antenatal and postnatal services remain pressing issues, particularly in rural communities of Okigwe Zone.”

Dr. Akobundu, drawing from her extensive experience in driving continental and national development programmes, noted that many deaths result from preventable causes, including haemorrhage, hypertension, infections, and lack of timely intervention.

“As someone who has led major development initiatives across Africa, I understand that health is the foundation of all development. A zone where mothers and infants die unnecessarily cannot achieve meaningful progress in education, agriculture, or economic growth,” she said.

Dr. Akobundu outlined a robust, multi-pronged legislative and partnership-driven agenda to tackle the crisis head-on:

“Upgrading and Equipping Primary Healthcare Centres: Prioritising the renovation and full equipping of at least one functional primary healthcare centre in every ward across the six LGAs of Imo North, with 24-hour emergency obstetric services.

“Training and Retention of Skilled Health Workers: Massive investment in the training of midwives, nurses, and community health extension workers, with special incentives to retain them in rural areas.

“Free Maternal and Child Health Programme. Advocacy for a sustainable “Safe Motherhood Fund” that provides free antenatal care, skilled delivery, caesarean sections, and essential drugs for pregnant women and children under five.

“Strategic Partnerships, Collaboration with international development agencies, the Federal Ministry of Health, Imo State Government, NGOs, and private sector players to attract grants and technical support for maternal health infrastructure.

“Community-Based Interventions: Establishment of maternal health surveillance systems, community transport schemes for emergencies, and widespread awareness campaigns on nutrition, family planning, and danger signs in pregnancy.

“Sponsoring bills and motions at the Senate for increased budgetary allocation to maternal and child health, with specific provisions for South East zones.”

She stressed that the vision is anchored on the principle that “Development Begins with Life” ensuring every child born in Okigwe Zone has a fighting chance at survival and every mother lives to nurture her family.

Dr. Akobundu stressed that with strong background in strategic leadership, policy formulation, and international development partnerships gained during her tenure at AUDA-NEPAD, Dr. Akobundu assured the people of Imo North that she possesses the competence, connections, and political will to deliver results.

“I have negotiated and coordinated development projects worth millions of dollars across Africa. I will bring that same energy, expertise, and network to the Senate to attract the right investments that will transform our healthcare system,” she declared.

Dr. Akobundu highlighted that she is contesting for the Imo North Senatorial District seat under the banner of competence, integrity, and people-centred development.

Her campaign continues to resonate strongly with women, youth, and stakeholders who desire effective representation at the national level.

Dr. Akobundu called on all residents of the zone, especially women of childbearing age, to support her aspiration and join hands in building a healthier, stronger Okigwe Zone.