Sokoto: The Community Awareness and Development Initiative (CADI), with support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), has conducted a training program for 84 community groups in Sokoto State focused on family planning campaigns.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the participants included traditional and religious leaders, Wards Development Committee members, personnel from Primary Health Care Centres, and Monitoring and Evaluation officers.
CADI's Board of Trustees Chairman, Alhaji Sani Umar-Jabbi, explained that the capacity-building exercise was designed to empower participants to actively promote and support family planning services. These community champions were selected from various local government areas including Sabon Birnin, Isa, Goronyo, Raba, Binji, Silame, Kware, Yabo, Shagari, Dange Shuni, Kebbe, and Sokoto South. Alhaji Umar-Jabbi highlighted the role of family planning in population growth management, demographic planning, and the enhancement of socio-economic conditions.
He advised citizens to avoid unqualified practitioners and traditional healers for child spacing services, emphasizing the availability of modern family planning services provided by the government. Former Director of the National Population Commission, Alhaji Malami Marafa-Gagi, addressed the participants on the issues surrounding misconceptions, cultural beliefs, and practices that affect family planning uptake in society. He also discussed historical population data and current challenges related to demographics and healthcare.
Sheikh Lema Yabo, the Chief Imam of Yabo Local Government, noted that religious teachings support discussions on child spacing and family planning, encouraging scholars to help dispel misconceptions. Dr Jabbi Kilgori, a member of the Sultanate Council, urged community groups to back family planning initiatives to foster healthy and productive populations. He emphasized the positive impact of family planning on health, education, and economic well-being.
Alhaji Dahiru Kamaru, Director of Mobilisation at the Sokoto State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, shared the state's efforts in improving healthcare facilities and services, including the provision of ambulances, ultrasound machines, and motorcycles for healthcare workers. Dr Bala Gadanga, State Chairman of the Wards Development Committee, called for the inclusion of committee members in healthcare activities to curb misappropriation and ensure accountability in healthcare service delivery.