Sokoto State has set aside no fewer than N100 million in its 2025 budget to support family planning programs in the state.
The Executive Secretary of the Sokoto Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Larai Aliyu, disclosed this during a stakeholders’ meeting on ‘Sustaining Sokoto State to Self-Reliance in Family Planning’ organised by The Challenges Initiatives (TCI).
Aliyu acknowledged that the partnership has greatly enhanced Sokoto’s capacity in health-related programs, particularly in reproductive health and family planning.
The Executive Secretary described the support as first in the history of the state and as a demonstration of government’s commitment to sustaining healthcare reforms. She expressed profound appreciation to TCI for its unwavering support since 2022.
Aliyu also described the move as a bold demonstration of political will, noting that such budgetary commitment would boost access to contraceptives, expand service coverage, and consolidate the successes recorded during TCI’s intervention.
Also speaking, Special Adviser to the Governor on Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Bello Marnona, described the event as a moment of reflection and a renewed commitment to the future of Sokoto’s health sector.
He emphasized that the state government under Governor Ahmed Aliyu is determined to ensure no woman, child, or family is left behind in accessing quality healthcare.
Dr. Marnona noted that family planning remains a critical pillar in improving maternal and child health, reducing poverty, and driving socioeconomic growth.
He urged stakeholders not to relent in advocacy and mobilization, stressing that “sustaining the gains made is a collective responsibility that goes beyond government alone.”
Speaking on behalf of TCI, the Chief of Party in Nigeria, Dr. Taiwo Johnson, said that though the initiative was officially winding down its activities in Sokoto, TCI will continue to provide technical support to ensure the sustainability of family planning programs in the state.
“TCI is not leaving Sokoto behind. While the project phase is ending, our technical expertise will remain available to strengthen capacities, improve service delivery, and ensure the gains we have achieved together are not lost,” Dr. Johnson reassured.
The State Program Manager of TCI, Dr. Bello Abubakar Kilgori, said the stakeholders’ testimonies have shown that Sokoto is ready to sustain the momentum and chart a future where family planning is fully integrated into the state’s health system.
The Focal Person, Media Advocacy Team in the state, Musa Ubadawaki, said the partnership with TCI officials has yielded groundbreaking results, transforming family planning “from a sensitive topic into a mainstream public health and development issue.”
The meeting brought together government officials, healthcare professionals, civil society, and community leaders who have been pivotal to the success of TCI family planning interventions in the state.
