The Andoma of Doma in Nasarawa State, Alhaji Ahmadu Aliyu Ogah, has called on the federal government and other public institutions championing the course of family planning to refocus their discussion on family planning on how to properly harness the untapped human and natural resources for the betterment of the country.
The traditional ruler spoke at the opening of the 7th Nigeria Family Planning Conference organised by an association for the advancement of family planning in Abuja, said while it was necessary to raise a family one can take care of, he reminded the organisers of the need to focus more on how the nation’s population can be harnessed and make more useful.
He said every family would be judged by the ways and manners in which they raise their children, “Nigeria as a country has untapped human and natural resources. If the vastness of our natural and human resources is harnessed, Nigeria will never be poor.”
Also, the FCT minister, Mallam Mohammed Bello, described the conference as crucial and timely and thanked the stakeholders, especially the donors for their support.
The minister, who was represented by Dr. Matthew Ashikeni, Director Special Duties, FCT – HHSS, noted that the current administration was not unaware of the current adverse effect of the unmoderated population with high mortality rate, high morbidity rate, child mortality, poverty, poor literacy level, among others.
“It is in recognition of this that the president issued a public statement some time ago, charging the ministers to work on the Nigerian population. You are all aware of the launch of the revised population policy for sustainable development, to mention but a few.
“The ministries will, within their jurisdiction and capacity, provide any necessary support for any course that will improve the lives of Nigerians,” he said.
The minister implores all the stakeholders to join hands With the government in whatever capacity to ensure that the goal of the government regarding the population and development is achieved come 2030.
Earlier, the chairman of the Management Committee of the Association for Advancement of Family Planning, Dr. Ejike Oji, noted that investment in Family Planning would not only move Nigeria from a demographic crisis to demographic dividends.
“The only thing bigger than Family Planning investment in healthcare according to World Bank classification is cataract surgery. The greatest return on investment in healthcare is Family Planning services as it impacts every aspect. It impacts the climate, it impacts the woman’s health, it impacts the children’s education, and allows the woman time to earn a living,” he said.
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