From Umar Dankano, Yola
The Adamawa State Government has been urged to increase its budgetary allocation to implement family planning initiatives across the state.
Stakeholders made this call during a one-day media dialogue organized by Development Communications (DevComs) in collaboration with The Challenge Initiative (TCI) on Thursday in Yola—the event aimed to promote modern strategies for strengthening family planning.
In his remarks, the Programme Manager of TCI, Mr. Godiya Yusuf, emphasized the importance of collaboration with the media, health professionals, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and other stakeholders in educating the public on the significance of family planning.
Yusuf advocated for more sensitization and awareness campaigns to bridge the knowledge gap regarding the efficacy of family planning for the social and economic development of the state and the country at large.
He commended the efforts of the State Family Planning Media Advocacy Group, noting an increase in the uptake of family planning services. According to him, in 2022, 47,980 individuals accepted family planning methods, while 19,024 used modern contraceptives.
He further revealed that as of the second quarter of 2025—specifically in June—there were 104,486 new acceptors, representing 40% of the initiative’s reach, while users of modern contraceptives rose to 79,764, accounting for 78% of the programme.
Speaking on the impact of the initiative, Aisha Garba Abubakar, the State Focal Person for Family Planning, highlighted the importance of child spacing in reducing maternal and child mortality.
Abubakar urged the media to intensify efforts in addressing the myths and misconceptions surrounding family planning, often driven by religious and cultural beliefs. “Pregnancy should be by choice, not by chance,” she said, stressing the need for better public education on the subject.
She identified inadequate funding as a major challenge facing the programme, revealing that while N130 million was allocated for family planning in 2025, the amount is insufficient to cover the cost of commodities and consumables required for the initiative.
She called on the government to provide more funding for the programme, especially given the state’s growing population.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Health and Human Development, Chief Felix Tangwami, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Pharmacist Zirra Babani, commended the partnership with the media and development agencies. He noted that media efforts are helping to dispel myths that hinder the adoption of family planning.
He assured stakeholders of the government’s continued support in achieving the programme’s objectives and announced that the Annual Operational Plan (AOP) for the initiative has been approved.
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