By Dorathy Abellega
When a woman is not okay, a lot of things go wrong. This can be in the family, workplace, and community. Women are the heart of the home. Therefore, women have to take care of themselves so that they can focus on the multiple responsibilities nature has placed on them.
Dr. Monica Hemben-Eimunjeze stated this at the recent public session and presentation of D’Bio Wellness and Self-care Women’s Initiative. The initiative, tagged: “Empower Women, Elevate Wellness, Embrace Self-care”, held at BENCEDI Hall in Makurdi, the Benue State capital.
Dr. Eimunjeze, in her address, advised women to avoid anxiety, depression, and other emotional problems. She noted that when a woman thrives, her environment feels the impact. She emphasized that there is a great connection between women’s well-being and societal health.
According to her, stress is not an abstract concept, but a reality for all women. She described stress as “a state of worry or mental pressure experienced during difficult situations”.
Dr. Monica also warned that unmanaged stress, apart from hampering productivity, can lead to burnout, a situation that can also affect relationships and emotional presence.
“Once a person is burned out, he can not have any pleasant company. The effects also ripple outward,” she stated. She maintained that the mental wellness of mothers significantly influences their children’s emotional and psychological development.
The session also explored common stressors and their triggers, where, Dr. Eimunjeze addressed practical pathways towards healthier living. Well-being, she posited, is strongly anchored in self-care, which she explained as the ability to actively promote health, maintain balance, and prevent disease.
Participants were guided through lifestyle factors that shape overall wellness, including dietary nutrition, physical activities, emotional regulation, rest/sleep, social well-being, and vacation. Dr. Eimunjeze introduced these as the pillars of self-care. She pointed out that practices such as meditation, massage, and routine health monitoring, including blood sugar tests, should be regular.
Beyond physical habits, she advised on the importance of psychological and emotional hygiene, identifying stress triggers, and seeking help. Dr. Hemben-Eimunjeze further noted that delegation of responsibilities and cultivating gratitude must be observed in self-care, including nurturing social connections.
“Our words, our communications, and relationships shape our resilience,” she added. She further advised women to consciously build safe emotional environments around themselves.
A recurring message throughout the session was intentionality. She urged women to establish personal self-care baselines, consistent sleep patterns, meaningful societal interactions, spiritual grounding, and restorative practices.
“Self-care should not be accidental; it must be designed,” she added. She encouraged women to set realistic wellness and self-care goals and actively protect their mental and emotional energy.
The initiative provided not only awareness but a strong reminder that a well-supported woman is a stabilizing force within families, workplaces, and communities.
She later thanked the Governor of Benue State, Rev. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, for creating an enabling environment for the flag-off of the initiative in Benue.
The event also witnessed an interactive interface, where a former Woman Editor of The Voice Newspaper was on hand to dialogue with the Convener.
She said “I am a pharmacist and I concluded my career at the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), retiring after 14 years of dedicated service in pivotal roles. Notably, positions such as Director of Drug Registration and Regulatory Affairs, Director of Drug Evaluation and Research, and Acting DG NAFDAC.
“I am a proud alumna of Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, where I earned a Bachelor of Pharmacy Degree. I then obtained a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D) from Mercer University in Atlanta, Georgia, and a Master of Science (MSc) in Biotechnology Innovation and Regulatory Science from Purdue University in the USA.
“Presently, I am directing my energies towards multifaceted pursuits, notably including my newly assumed position as CEO of DeeDoo Bio Plus Pharma Care Limited. I am the convener of D’Bio Wellness and Self-care Summit, which seeks to drive wellness and self-care with a view to improving health outcomes.
“My career has garnered me numerous accolades and acknowledgements. I have awards from the Association of Lady Pharmacists, both the Lagos and Benue branches of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria. Notably, I hold the esteemed title of Fellow of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria.
“Beyond my professional accomplishments, I have served as a trustee to the Peter Ayomger Hemben Foundation, an NGO committed to empowering vulnerable populations. I am the VP Queen of the Rosary Gboko Old Girls Association (QROGA), Lagos Branch, and the National President of the same QROGA.
“My holistic approach to life is emblematic of my commitment to excellence in all aspects, mirroring the values that have defined my remarkable career. I like watching movies
