Amidst the bustling streets and lively markets of Agbado Okeodo, a voice of wisdom and experience rises, championing a cause close to his heart. Sola Adeboye, a sexagenarian with a lifetime of insights, is a beacon for family planning in this vibrant Lagos community.
“I’ve known about family planning for about 25 years, so it’s nothing new to me,” Adeboye reflects, his eyes twinkling with the wisdom of age. “It’s not right to have children that you cannot train. Unfortunately for me—or perhaps luckily—I have five children. My first two are twins, and the second set are twins too. When the third child came as a singleton, I said, ‘Enough!’ See what happened now. I’d advise people to stick to family planning; it’s the best way to live. There’s no other way,” he adds, with a hint of a smile.
In a place where high birth rates and limited access to family planning services are part of daily life, Adeboye’s endorsement is more than just a personal testament—it’s a call to action. Agbado Okeodo, nestled in the Alimosho Local Government Area, is a mosaic of artisans, factory workers, and school dropouts. This diverse community faces the dual challenges of unintended pregnancies and reliance on traditional birth attendants, whose services often lead to complications.
The Push for Change: TCI’s Initiative in Agbado Okeodo
Enters The Challenge Initiative (TCI), a dynamic force spearheaded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Institute for Population and Reproductive Health at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. With its innovative approach, TCI has set out to transform reproductive health in Lagos, taking its family planning message directly to the heart of Agbado Okeodo.
The latest outreach, part of the FP Lagos Intensification phase, aims to cut through the clutter of misinformation and present clear, actionable advice on family planning. This initiative is more than just a service—it’s a movement to foster understanding and dispel myths in communities where these issues are most pressing.
Among the new champions of family planning is Ajibade Ajoke, a spirited 26-year-old mother of two. Her enthusiasm for adopting family planning measures is palpable. “I’m excited to take the family planning shot,” she says, her voice brimming with anticipation. “Childbirth must be controlled. There needs to be a limit to the number of children we have. We shouldn’t bring children into the world that we cannot properly train,” Ajoke asserts, her determination evident.
Empowering Women Through Family Planning
Olanike Ruth, a TCI mobiliser, adds her voice to the chorus of support, emphasising that family planning isn’t about stopping childbirth but about controlling it. “Family planning is a great programme for women. It doesn’t prevent you from having more children; it just allows you to decide how and when you want to have them,” Ruth explains, her passion for the cause clear.
Mummy Ola, another local advocate, speaks from personal experience. She has first-hand knowledge of the advantages of using the three-month and six-month family planning options. “Family planning is essential in our current climate. It helps prevent uncontrolled childbirth. I’ve used both the six-month and three-month plans without any side effects. It’s very beneficial for women,” she shares, her voice steady and reassuring.
Taiwo Adebayo, a satisfied user, also praises TCI’s initiative. “I’m on the three-month family planning plan, just injections, and it’s been great,” she says. “With the current economic challenges in Nigeria, it’s more important than ever to control childbirth. This initiative is a welcome development, especially for families with two or three children.”
As Agbado Okeodo steps into a new era of family planning awareness, the community’s response is a testament to their readiness for change. Through voices like Adeboye’s, Ajoke’s, Ruth’s, Mummy Ola’s, and Adebayo’s, the message is clear: family planning is not just a service but a lifeline to a better, more controlled future.
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