Israel Umoh
Members of Akwa Ibom State Media Advocacy Group on Family Planning have been enjoined to sustain, encourage the group and expand its focus to other health issues while maintaining momentum in family planning awareness.
Mr. Mayowa Adeniran, Media Officer of DevComs, who made call during a media review meeting held in Uyo, facilitated by The Challenge Initiative (TCI) and Development Communications Network (DevComs), stressed the need for the group to strengthen its advocacy efforts as donor-supported initiatives transition to local ownership.
Adeniran, who acknowledged that Akwa Ibom State occupies number One position on family planning publicity, commended the Akwa Ibom group for its exceptional performance, describing it as the best among media advocacy groups across the 10 states where TCI and DevComs operate.
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He emphasized the need for “As TCI phases out, the Media Advocacy Group must find innovative ways to remain relevant and impactful,” saying “This platform can go beyond family planning to support broader health interventions.”
State Programme Manager of TCI, Dr. Obasesam Edet, described the two-year partnership with the media as transformative, particularly in increasing uptake of family planning services in Akwa Ibom.
He advised the group to come together and register with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to formalize its structure, improve credibility, and attract new funding opportunities.
“Registration will give the group a corporate identity and enhance its capacity for both local and international collaborations,” Dr. Edet added, noting that TCI would remain available to offer technical support when needed.
Mrs. Enobong Eshiet, the State Family Planning Coordinator, lauded the group’s consistency and professionalism in pushing out family planning messages across traditional and digital media.
Mrs Eshiet said the collaboration had positively impacted service uptake across the state, promising continued support from her unit, stating that TCI is transiting.
‘‘Let’s work together as a team. Let’s sensitise more. As partners, we should be careful in our reporting so that it does not degenerate into negativity,’’ she advised.
Presenting a review of the group’s activities, Desk Officer Mrs. Grace Usen outlined significant achievements, including airing 354 family planning jingles, publishing 57 media reports, and leveraging social media to engage youth and combat misinformation.
Other achievements, according to Mrs Usen, are increased male involvement in family planning services across the state, media reporting helped to debunk myths and misconceptions about family planning, improvement of overall uptake of family planning services and capacity building sessions organized by TCI enhanced the ability of media practitioners to family planning issues.
“With support from TCI and DevComs, especially after our 2024 capacity-building training, we’ve seen improved reporting and stronger public engagement,” Usen posited.
She also highlighted the group’s involvement in marking key global health observances such as World Contraception Day and Safe Motherhood Day, as well as its collaborations with Ibom Life Saving Advocacy Group and other stakeholders.
Looking ahead, Usen stressed the importance of continuous capacity-building for media practitioners and deeper rural outreach, increased airtime, features and campaigns in rural communities, and utlisation of social platforms to engage young people and counter misinformation.
To facilitate a smooth transition, a three-member transition committee was constituted, with Mrs. Grace Usen as Chairperson, supported by Mr. Emediong Akpaso and Mr. Aniefiok Udonquak.
The meeting marked a significant step toward building a self-reliant advocacy platform, poised to keep family planning and broader health issues on the front burner in Akwa Ibom State.
