YoVAM Advocates Family Planning to Mark 2025 World Population Day
By Baba Dan’Iya
The Yobe Voice and Accountability Mechanism (YoVAM), a coalition of civil society organisations, has reiterated its commitment to promoting family planning, maternal health, and skills development as part of efforts to build a healthier and more productive population in Yobe State.
Co-chair of the group, Mr Baba Kuchichi, made this known in Damaturu on Friday while speaking at an event to commemorate the 2025 World Population Day.
Kuchichi said the organisation, through its member civil society groups, had been at the forefront of advocacy and community engagement aimed at reducing maternal mortality, increasing uptake of family planning services, and improving child health.
“To achieve a healthier population, reduce the dependency ratio, and boost productivity, we intensify awareness on reproductive health, particularly on the benefits of family planning and maternal health services,” he said.
He added that YoVAM also engages in sensitisation campaigns targeting communities on the importance of skills development, entrepreneurship, and economic participation, especially for women and young people.
“We believe these efforts will enable a healthier and more empowered population to contribute meaningfully to the economic growth and sustainable development of Yobe State,” he said.
According to him, the network also carries out advocacy with policymakers at all levels to ensure that health and education services are adequately strengthened and effectively delivered.
He urged government at all levels to prioritise skills and entrepreneurship development programmes as a strategy for tackling youth unemployment and poverty.
World Population Day, observed annually on July 11, seeks to raise awareness on population-related issues and the importance of reproductive health and rights.
