From Paul Osuyi, Asaba
As part of activities marking this year’s World Contraception Day, officials of the Delta State Ministry of Health have conferred an award of Delta Family Planning (FP) Ambassador on the member representing Ika North-East constituency at the state House of Assembly, Mrs. Marilyn Okowa-Daramola.
Okowa-Daramola, before her present position, championed the course of women and girl child empowerment in the state, as civil commissioner in the immediate past administration.
Confirming the award in Asaba, the Director of Public Health in the state Ministry of Health, Dr. Christian Tetsola, said Okowa-Daramola’s 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.
Tetsola led other experts in reproductive health and family planning including representatives of World Health Organisation (WHO), Marie Stopes; Centre for Communication and Social Impact (CCSI), Abuja; among others to confer the award.
Accepting the award, Okowa-Daramola said women should be empowered to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.
Okowa-Daramola who is the chairman, House Committee on Finance and Appropriation pledged 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 her, family planning is a fundamental human right not an option, adding that she would work with the partners and associates to break down all barriers against women and girl child with regards to family planning in the state.
She noted that family planning was a pathway to gender equality, economic stability, improved healthcare outcomes and cornerstone of a brighter and more prosperous future for Delta.
The lawmaker said 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.
“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 said.
She noted that World Contraception Day, which is celebrated every September 26, would serve as a 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 stigma, 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; engaging men and boys as family planning must be a collective effort,” Okowa-Daramola said.