In a bold step towards improving reproductive health and reducing maternal and neonatal mortality, the Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Council in Rivers State has flagged off the 2025 World Contraception Day at the historic Alapu Council Hall, Nkoro.
The event with the theme; “A Choice for All, Freedom to Plan, Power to Choose,” underscored the right of every woman to access accurate information and safe, evidence-based family-planning services.
Delivering the opening address, Barr. Lydia James, wife of the Chairman of Opobo/Nkoro LGA, thanked God for the opportunity to launch such a life-saving programme and commended her husband for prioritising public health in his administration. She emphasised that modern contraception is not merely about limiting births but about spacing pregnancies, reducing high-risk deliveries, and protecting the health of mothers and infants.
“When women understand the range of contraceptive methods available, from oral hormonal pills, injectables, implants, intrauterine devices (IUDs) to barrier methods, they are better equipped to make informed decisions, recover fully after childbirth, and keep their babies alive and thriving,” she noted.
Also speaking, Hon. Gladys Daniel Legg-Jack, Vice Chairman of the LGA, expressed gratitude for the event and lauded the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR; the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and his wife Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara; as well as the Council Chairman, Barr James James and Amaopuorubo Sotonye Fulton Toby for their steadfast support. She encouraged women to listen actively to the health professionals present, internalise the information, practise healthy birth spacing, adding that giving life and still be alive is the true meaning of motherhood.
Representing the Alapu-in-Council, Alabo Richard Harrison Nyako drew an evocative link between traditional birth attendants and modern health systems. He recalled how, in times past, midwives like Madam Digiwa provided obstetric care guided by wisdom, and urged women to now embrace scientifically proven methods that complement, rather than replace, their cultural heritage. He praised the chairman for taking reproductive health to the grassroots.
Ms. Daribelegha Wilcox, Deputy PHCC/RHS ONOLGA, provided a technical perspective, underscoring that effective contraception and post-natal care significantly reduce post-partum haemorrhage, anaemia, obstetric fistula, and infant mortality. She advised women to allow adequate inter-pregnancy intervals to restore maternal iron levels, improve neonatal outcomes, and prevent preventable deaths.
Highpoint of the ceremony was the official flag-off by Barr. Lydia James, who presented awards to two women already practising contraception as exemplary ambassadors of family planning. She also honoured the former Vice Chairman of the LGA, Amb. Angela Ojukienmie, while she also received an award of appreciation from Alabo Richard Harrison Nyako.
