By NAN
The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Public Petition, Rep. Kwamoti Laori (PDP-Adamawa), has called for stakeholders’ partnership to reduce teenage pregnancy in the country.
Laori, also the President, Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria (PPFN), made the call on Friday while addressing newsmen on the sidelines of a seminar on population activities for Chairmen of Local Government Areas in the country.
He appealed to government at all levels, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) traditional and religious leaders to work toward effective implementation of population programmes in the country.
The lawmaker said that such collaboration must be built on shared vision, mutual respect, pulled resources, and joint accountability.
He said that verifiable sources showed that Nigeria’s population was exceeding 220 million, saying that all hands must be on deck to advance reproductive health, family planning, gender equity and youth empowerment.
Laori urged government officials, particularly the local government areas, traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth and women groups, NGOs among others to work hand-in-gloves.
Laori said that PPFN was a programme supported by the Federal Government, the Milinda Gates Foundation and the MacArthur Foundation.
He said that it was in partnership with states like Kaduna, Cross River, Ogun among others for joint outreach.
He said this would build capacity and community engagement in order to improve health outcomes and reduce teenage pregnancy.
“Partnership is very crucial as the future of Nigeria’s population health depends on our ability to collaborate, innovate and lead together.
”Nigeria’s demographic realities demand urgent and sustained attention to population programmes, especially in reproductive health and family planning.
“Together, we can build a Nigeria where every citizen, regardless of gender, age, or location has access to the services and opportunities they needed to thrive,” Laori said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)