By Ankeli Emmanuel, Sokoto
In what could be discribed as expressed support for the scheme, the government of Sokoto state has allocated ₦30 million to enhance family planning services.
Making this disclosure, the Sokoto state TCI Manager, Dr Bello Kilgori also added that there is a significant increase of family planning acceptance across the state, hence 302,539 acceptors we’re recorded between January 2024 to March 2025.
Dr Kilgori who applauded the state government for taking such giant step for the first time geared towards controlled birth, however appealed to all and sundry to take advantage of the family planning services across the state.
While appreciating the pivotal role of, ‘The Challange Initiative’ TCI that established and provided technical support for the State Family Planning Advocacy Core Group (FP-ACG), Dr Kilgori affirmed that the group no doubt facilitated advocacies across ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) promoted community ownership of family planning.
“The allocation of 30 million naira is expected to improve access to family planning services in Sokoto State, thereby enhancing the health and well-being of residents”.
On his part, one of the strongest voice for reserved seats for women bill and an advocate of women empowerment in Sokoto,
Alhaji Sani Umar Jabbi, who is also the District Head of Gagi in Sokoto south local government said until people develop the mindset of having children they can carter for, moral decadence will continue to be on the rise.
Umar Jabi who is also a member of the Sultanate Council of Sokoto, appealed to all and sundry including religious leaders to preach family planning at every given opportunity both in the mosque, Churches and public gatherings, further urged community leaders to advocate and champion family planning and other health related initiatives in their localities.
“Family planning is not a bad thing. Access to contraceptives should be seen as a fundamental right. We must have controlled birth to enable us have data. Because no country can plan well for it’s citizen without a near accurate data to serve as a guide”.
Stressing how the media has greatly played significant role in championing the cause of family planning in Sokoto state, Umar Jabi said they need support to do even more.
Giving objective of the roundtable meeting, Sokoto State Virtual Focal Person for Development Communication/The Challange Initiative
DEVCOMS/TCI, Musa Ubandawaki
said it is to review the status of family planning services in the State.
This according to Ubandawaki shall include a critical look at access, availability, accessibility and the utilization standards of family planning in the state.
Stakeholders in the media roundtable also include, government officials, healthcare providers, religious and traditional leaders, civil society organizations, and development partners amongst others.
