Despite enlisting 29,000 new users, TCI urges Adamawa govt to sustain family planning
By Ojoma Yusuf,Yola
The Challenge Initiative (TCI), a non-governmental organization, has called on the Adamawa State Government to maintain the progress achieved in family planning interventions, which have attracted 29,000 new users between January 2023 and June 2025.
The appeal was made during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Yola, themed “Transitioning Adamawa State to Self-Reliance in Family Planning.” Dr. Taiwo Johnson, TCI’s Chief of Party, represented by Senior Technical Advisor TCI Dr. Dorcas Akila, praised the state’s accomplishments and urged the government to continue supporting family planning efforts as TCI phases out its direct involvement.
TCI introduced the family planning program in 22 Nigerian states, including Adamawa, and has helped initiate over 1.7 million users nationwide. Johnson emphasized the need for Adamawa to achieve self-reliance by independently planning, financing, and managing family planning initiatives without relying on external donors.
“In achieving self-reliance, we urge the government to independently plan, finance, implement, and sustain family planning programs. Political commitment through policy implementation, accountability, advocacy, and coordination is crucial,” Johnson said.
She further noted the financial contributions made so far, highlighting TCI’s commitment of N93.4 million and the state government’s investment of N28 million in family planning commodities in 2024.
During the transition phase, TCI pledged to continue collaborating with Adamawa State to sustain demand generation, service delivery, and data management systems.
Dr. Suleiman Bashir, Executive Chairman of the Adamawa Primary Healthcare Development Agency, applauded the partnership with TCI, noting it has significantly enhanced family planning service delivery and reached over 600,000 people.
Mrs. Aisha Abubakar, Family Planning Focal Person at the State Ministry of Health, revealed that the program has supported 30 health facilities across nine local government areas, including Yola North, Gombi, and Michika. Since the program’s inception, family planning acceptors in the state have increased from 47,980 in 2022 to an additional 69,094 clients.
Dr. Ahmad Musdafa, Ubandoma Adamawa and District Head of Girei, commended TCI for raising awareness about family planning in rural communities, emphasizing the positive impact on family health, economic wellbeing, and acceptance of contraceptive commodities.
The event, organized by TCI in partnership with the Development Communications Network (DevComs), gathered stakeholders from the health sector, media, and traditional and religious institutions. Family planning champions, including religious and traditional leaders who contributed to the program’s success, were recognized and honored during the meeting.
