• Super Admin
• 08 Mar, 2026

Ambassador (Mrs) Precious Mafiana, Founder of Pretonia Care Consult and Wellness Hub, a health and wellness Consultant and Agribusiness entrepreneur, is passionate about promoting preventive healthcare, empowering women, and advancing agribusiness in Nigeria. As she clocks 50, she speaks to journalists about her life, career, the state of healthcare, the economy, insecurity and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. EJIKEME OMENAZU brings an excerpt: Could you briefly tell us about your career and yourself? I am a health and wellness consultant, agribusiness entrepreneur, and humanitarian. I am passionate about promoting preventive healthcare, empowering women, and advancing agribusiness development in Nigeria. At 50, what would you say are the most memorable moments of your life so far? My most memorable moments are those times I see lives transformed through our health outreaches and women empowerment initiatives. Watching people regain lost hope and confidence gives me deep fulfillment. Specifically, I was overwhelmed with joy when men and women in my community came as early as 5.amon my birthday to wish me a happy birthday. They sang for over an hour. I never knew that my little impact in the community was recognised. You can see several organisations, Community Development Association (CDA) members, members of every platform I belonged to, were duly represented. I see you distributing food stuff and various gift items for widows. What inspires you to do this? It is my background that influenced my giving life. When I was growing up, I lived with my grandmother and grandfather who were cheerful givers. At every moment of my life, I know how painful it is to suffer. I feel the pain when a family wakes up without food. I am used to giving. When I am not able to give, I always feel a burden in my heart. Giving has become my natural way of life. My giving life was given a boost when I was asked by my boss at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI): Did you know about SDG? That is, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal. When I googled, I discovered that it has 17 Goals. I discovered that I am already doing it. So, I established Pretonia Care Consult two years ago. Since then, I have been funding it with the help of my beloved husband. Do you have any regrets in your life particularly in your professional career? Life is full of challenges. But, I always turn my challenges to opportunities. When I started farming, I did not see much prospect. But, I kept on consistently. That is why today, I am a leader of Royal Farmers. Our vision is to go global. My challenges have been turned into opportunities. I give God all the glory. What do you see as the highlights of your career? The highlights of my career have been building platforms that combine health, agriculture, and humanitarian services -- especially seeing my vision positively impacting communities. As a healthcare expert, how do you think the healthcare delivery system can be upgraded by the government at all levels? The government should prioritise primary healthcare, invest in preventive medicine, improve rural health infrastructure, and encourage public-private partnerships to make healthcare affordable and accessible. I believe a substantial percentage of the Federal and State governments budgetary allocations should go to health and education. If our health facilities are topnotch, Nigerians will not be going abroad for health reasons at a drop of the hat. What are you most proud of accomplishing? I am most proud of staying consistent in my purpose -- building businesses, empowering women, and serving humanity despite challenges. How do you see the impact of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu particularly on the health sector? Really the vision behind the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is structured to give Nigerians a new lease of life. The Renewed Hope Agenda is based on reforming the economy, which has been battered by the previous administrations. Is the removal of fuel subsidy, which some cabals had been feeding on, not good? Is the unification of the parallel forex which had shot up the cost of doing business in Nigeria bad? Is the tax reform that is tailored to benefit the low income group not good for the masses of our people? This administration has done what the previous ones could not do. Though the masses are yet to see the impact, there are signs that things will get better. The masses need better healthcare, food, transportation, good roads, etc. Reports across the country show that the prices of foodstuffs are falling; good roads are being built, while the corruption in the oil sector is being addressed. There is a Renewed Hope in the educational sector. Many students have benefitted from TETFUND Students loan scheme, the first of its kind in Nigeria. Though the reforms may come with hardship but joy will come at the end. All said and done, we have moved from where we were before 2023. Like the late American Civil Rights leader, Rev Jesse Jackson's mantra, Nigerians must keep hope alive. Do you believe women in politics would perform better than men? I believe leadership is about competence and integrity, not gender. However, women bring empathy, resilience, and inclusiveness that can greatly enrich governance. Would you support the ongoing plans for the introduction of State Police to address the perennial state of insecurity in Nigeria? Yes, with proper regulation and accountability. Community-based policing can enhance local intelligence and improve security response, if well structured. There are several benefits in the creation of State Police. These include faster response to local security challenges because of their understanding of community needs. It will also complement federal efforts and improve the nation's overall security architecture. Above all, it will create employment opportunities, among others. If you could go back in time, what advice would you give your younger ones coming up in life? They should start early, stay focused, invest in knowledge, and never allow fear or societal limitations to define their future. What are your plans or goals for the next five years? To expand our health and wellness outreach, scale agribusiness exports, strengthen women empowerment programs, and establish sustainable community health initiatives. Who are the people who have had the biggest impact on your life? My family, spiritual mentors, and the resilient women I have worked with over the years -- they inspire me daily. What activities do you enjoy most? I love serving humanity, mentoring women, farming, and spending quality time with my family. What is that thing you have always wanted to try, but do not have the chance? I would love to engage more in international humanitarian collaborations and global health advocacy. What is one thing you want to achieve or experience that is still pending? To establish a fully equipped wellness and community health centre that offers affordable, holistic care to underserved communities. What is your message to others celebrating similar milestones? Fifty is not an end; it is a new beginning. Embrace growth, celebrate your journey, and keep dreaming boldly. I unwind through prayer, quiet reflection, light reading, and sometimes visiting the farm -- nature refreshes my spirit. Source: https://independent.ng/fg-states-should-increase-budgetary-allocations-to-healthcare-education-amb-mafiana/