By Anne Azuka
The Member representing Ika-North East constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, Mrs. Marilyn Okowa-Daramola has described family planning as a pathway to gender equality, economic stability, improved healthcare outcomes and cornerstone of a brighter and more prosperous future for Delta.
Okowa-Daramola who bagged “Delta Family Planning Ambassador”made the description shortly after being conferred with the award by the Family planning team of the State Ministry of Health and its associates on Monday in Asaba.
She pledged her resolved to support the team to ensure the state government improves its budgetary provision and advocacy for family planning to ensure the success of the programme in the state.
According to Okowa-Daramola, who had in the immediate past administration championed the course of women and girl child empowerment in the state, family planning is a fundamental human right not an option.
She promised to work with the partners and associates to breakdown all barriers against women and girl child with regards to family planning in the state.
The legislator said that the target goal was to break down the cultural barriers and stigma associated with family
planning, and ensure that every woman and girl in the state had the knowledge and resources to make informed choices about their reproductive health.
She said: “I stand before you today with immense gratitude and a deep sense of responsibility as I accept the role of Family Planning Ambassador for Delta State.
“I want to thank the Ministry of Health and Family Planning partners and advocates, who have placed their trust in me to champion this vital cause.
“It is an honour to be given this opportunity to further contribute to the well-being of women and girls in our dear state.
“Family planning is not just a matter of reproductive health, it is a fundamental
human right.
” It is the key to empowering women and girls to make informed choices about their bodies, their futures, and their families.”
She added that women should be empowered to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.
She noted the World Contraception Day which is celebrate every September 26, would serves as global reminder of the critical importance of access to family planning services.
“It is a day to celebrate choice, education, and the fundamental right of every individual to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.
“We will work tirelessly to promote awareness, advocate for access by engaging with policymakers, healthcare providers, and community leaders to ensure that family planning services are readily available and affordable to all, regardless of their socioeconomic status.
“We shall challenge Stigmas, harmful stereotypes surrounding family planning and create safe spaces for open dialogue and provide accurate information to dispel myths.
“We shall empower women and girls with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed decisions about their
reproductive health; engage men and boys as family planning must be a collective effort,” Okowa-Daramola said.
Earlier, the Director Public Health, Delta Ministry of Health, Dr. Christian Tetsola
who confered the award on Okowa-Daramola said her role in women and girl child empowerment informed the investiture as the FP Ambassador.
“We are here as part of the event to mark the veneration of the World Contraception Day for 2023 and today we confer on Okowa-Daramola, the title of Family Planning ambassador and by extension, reproductive health ambassador.
“She has been an advocate for the girl child and reproductive issue also mainly to do with women, though men are included,” he said.
Earlier, Tetsola said that the ministry has outlined its programmes to mark the year’s World Contraception Day with a road walk to advocate for family planning in the state capital, Asaba.
In attendance were team of experts in the reproductive and family planning units of the state ministry of health, representatives of World Health Organisation; Marie Stopes; Centre for Communication and Social Impact (CCSI), Abuja, FCT
