Mimiko urges female lawyers to lead fight against maternal mortality

Former Governor of Ondo State, Oluesgun Mimiko

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A former Governor of Ondo State, Olusegun Mimiko, has called on female lawyers and other stakeholders to intensify the fight against maternal mortality in the country.

Mimiko, who governed the Sunshine State for two terms—between 2009 and 2016—described maternal mortality as a fundamental human rights violation.

Delivering his keynote address at the 2025 International Federation of Female Lawyers (FIDA) Week in Akure, the state capital, Mimiko said Nigeria must urgently move from “policies to tangible action” in protecting and empowering women.

The keynote address was titled “Turning Policy to Action: Advancing Women’s Rights Through Law and Governance.”

He stressed the need for female lawyers to pursue actions against maternal mortality—which he noted is largely preventable—through judicial and social activism.

He also urged FIDA and other interested non-governmental organisations to hold governments accountable in court.

Citing the Centre for Health, Human Rights and Development & Ors v. Attorney General case in Uganda as an example, Mimiko said, “The global trend in many jurisdictions, even those like Nigeria without explicit provisions, is a jurisprudential shift towards justiciability of economic, social, and cultural rights, including health.

“The death of our women while trying to bring forth life in childbirth, or the outrageous practice of holding them or their newborn babies as ‘collateral’ for unsettled medical bills, must be ended.”

The former governor also urged stakeholders to support legislation promoting gender equity and eliminating discrimination against women.

“Legislation like the ongoing Reserved Seats for Women Bill is very important and must be supported by all who appreciate the true worth of gender equity as a driver of socio-economic development and justice,” he noted.

Mimiko further encouraged FIDA to champion strategic litigation on women’s rights and maternal mortality, saying, “policy must become action, and action must deliver justice and dignity for every woman and girl.”

In her opening speech, the Chairperson of FIDA, Ondo State branch, Mrs. Bolanle Olafunmiloye, called on women to rise and participate actively in national development.

“For our sake and for the sake of our children, competent women and women of capacity must step forward to fill the gap, offering our country direction, empathy, courage, strong moral values, discipline, and integrity.

“Women must take intentional steps to safeguard our homes, schools, institutions, and society at large by confronting the menace of corruption, drug abuse, and widespread moral decay,” Olafunmiloye charged.

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