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WCD: Family Planning Drops Maternal Mortality Rate By 40%, RSG Reveals
The Rivers State Government has revealed that family planning contributes to about 40 per cent reduction in maternal mortality rate in the state.
The state Commissioner for Health, Prof Princewill Chike disclosed this at the 2020 World Contraception Day, observed last Saturday, in Port Harcourt.
Launched in 2007, the WCD is an annual worldwide campaign designed to improve awareness of contraception, with a strategic goal to allow women make informed choices about their reproductive health, in the hope that every pregnancy was intentional.
Speaking at the event, Chike said, “Family planning provides a means whereby family can produce children of choice and not by chance. Access to good family planning means the young girl and her partner are secured and high risk pregnancy could be avoided. Safe family planning could prevent as many as one in every three maternal death as it allows women to space birth, avoid unwanted pregnancy as well as abortion”.
Chike pointed out that there was progress in the state as only 19.6 per cent of married women used modern method of contraception, and reiterated the state government’s commitment to provide women with access to quality information services in all the 328 public health facilities in the state.
“In Rivers State, only 19.6 per cent of currently married women used modern method of contraception. This data shows that although some progress is been made, there is more work to be done.
“The Rivers State Government, through the Ministry of Health and its parastatals, is committed to provide women with access to quality information and services in their public health facilities in the state in partnership with several non-governmental organizations.
“In line with the new vision for healthcare development, you are conveniently invited to access family planning in all the 328 health facilities across the state, despite the Covid-19 pandemic”, the commissioner noted.
He said that there were economic benefits of family planning, as over 200million women across the world do not have accesses to contraception, and added that Nigeria was working towards contraceptive prevalence of 27 per cent by the end of 2023.
“There are also economic benefits, as economists estimate that every $1 invested in universal excess to protection, saves countries $120 in reduced needs for infrastructure and social spending. Despite global effort, many women and girls still endure challenges and avoid delays in pregnancy.
“As the world population increases, so also there is need for contraception. There are more women and girls who want to avoid uncoordinated pregnancy, and accept modern contraception method”, Chike added.
According to him, “Although some reports show that some progress has been made towards closing the gaps, but there are still over 200 million women around the world without access to contraception, and most of them are in low or middle income payee in the country.
“Nigeria is working towards contraceptive prevalence of 27 per cent by the end of 2023. Right now, the figure stands as 17 per cent”, the commissioner quoted the 2018 edition of the National Demographic Health Survey.
By: Susan Serekara-Nwikhana
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol