ASHENEWS reports that the Deputy Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has called for family planning (FP) to be prioritized as a national development tool, emphasizing its potential to save lives, boost economic growth, and reduce maternal and infant mortality.
Speaking at the 8th Nigeria Family Planning Conference in Abuja, Kalu hailed the Federal Government’s commitment to allocating one perfent of the health budget to family planning, urging states to follow suit.
He described the move as a “game-changer” in Nigeria’s push to achieve sustainable development goals.
“FP is not just a health intervention; it’s a driver of national growth,” Kalu said. “We must bridge gaps in access and prioritize partnerships to ensure no one is left behind.”
He pledged the 10th National Assembly’s collaboration with stakeholders to advance FP, framing it as a call to action and accountability.
The conference, themed “Sustaining Commitments for Family Planning: Advancing Progress Toward FP2030 Goals,” spotlighted innovative solutions like integrating family planning into the Basic Health Care Provision Fund and engaging community leaders to foster trust and advocacy.
Former Minister of Health, Prof. Folorunso Adewole, highlighted family planning’s critical role in tackling population growth, driving economic progress, and reducing maternal mortality. He called for inclusive, innovative approaches to make FP accessible and equitable.
“FP isn’t just about numbers; it’s about opportunities,” Adewole said. “It provides pathways to address national challenges and unlock economic potential.”
Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, represented by Permanent Secretary Daju Kachollom Shangti, linked the success of FP to girl-child education.
“Educating girls is non-negotiable for achieving sustainable family planning outcomes,” she said, stressing the need for strong partnerships and tangible actions to improve service delivery and community engagement.
Special Adviser to the President on Health, Dr. Salma Ibrahim Anas, reinforced the government’s dedication to the health sector. She called for unified efforts at national and state levels to build a robust foundation for family planning, highlighting the role of women in driving grassroots solutions.
