Mrs Saraki Named Family Planning Champion in Nigeria

Wife of the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, Toyin, has been made the Family Planning Champion in Nigeria.

Mrs Saraki was honoured by the Federal Ministry of Health.

At a programme organised by the Ministry in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) on Thursday, August 11, 2016, Mrs Saraki was honoured in recognition of her commitment to the health of women and children in the country.

The High-level event was part of the 4th National Family Planning Stakeholders’ Consultative Meeting, and held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa with the theme: ‘Promoting Greater Accountability through Performance Monitoring to Ensure Access to Family Planning Services in Nigeria.’

The event had in attendance the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, (represented); the wife of the President, Mrs Aisha Muhammadu Buhari (represented); the wife of the Vice-President, Mrs Dolapo Osinbajo (represented); the Sultan of Sokoto, Amirul Mumineen Sultan Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar IV, who was installed as Goodwill Ambassador for Women’s and Children’s Health; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, who was installed as Grand Patron of Family Planning and Adolescent Health; as well as several State Governors and their wives; distinguished representatives from the National Assembly; and distinguished members of the diplomatic corps and the donor community, including, prominently, USAID and DfID.

Mrs Saraki’s investiture was received by the Social Impact Lead of the Wellbeing Foundation Africa, Ms Chi Okafor, Mrs. Saraki, after the Championship was bestowed on her, took to her social media platforms to appreciate the Federal Ministry of Health and the United Nations Population Fund for so honouring her.

“I am humbled and honoured by my investiture today as Nigeria ‎Family Planning Champion.

“I will carry this title with pride, and with it, I will empower women and girls to know that they can have a right on when and how they start a family.

“It’s so important for mothers to be empowered to space their childbirth for health and wellbeing, and have access to safe, modern, effective and affordable contraceptives,” the founder and President of the Wellbeing Foundation Africa said.