By Nsikan Essien
UYO The Akwa Ibom State Media Advocacy Group on Family Planning has been urged to strengthen and sustain its advocacy efforts as donor-supported initiatives transition to local ownership. This call was made during a media review meeting held in Uyo, facilitated by The Challenge Initiative (TCI) and Development Communications Network (DevComs).
Mr. Mayowa Adeniran, Media Officer of DevComs, 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. He emphasized the need for sustainability, encouraging the group to expand its focus to other health issues while maintaining momentum in family planning awareness.
“As TCI phases out, the Media Advocacy Group must find innovative ways to remain relevant and impactful,” Adeniran said. “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 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. She said the collaboration had positively impacted service uptake across the state, promising continued support from her unit.
Presenting a review of the group’s activities, Desk Officer Mrs. Grace Usen outlined significant achievements, including airing 354 radio jingles, publishing 46 media reports, and leveraging social media to engage youth and combat misinformation.
“With support from TCI and DevComs, especially after our 2024 capacity-building training, we’ve seen improved reporting and stronger public engagement,” Usen noted.
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. She called for more features, increased airtime, and targeted campaigns to improve male involvement and reduce myths around family planning.
To facilitate a smooth transition, a three-member transition committee was constituted, with Mrs. Grace Usen as Chairperson, supported by Mr. Ekemini Simon 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.
