The Challenge Initiative in collaboration with Bauchi State Public Health Media Network had on Tuesday decorated the Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu, as the champion of family planning aimed at intensifying campaign on child birth spacing in the state.
The decoration was conducted at the Emir’s palace in Bauchi when the emir received in audience members of the advocacy group led by Bulak Afsa, President, National Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, Bauchi State Chapter.
Rilwan Suleiman who commended the journalists for their continued advocacy on child birth spacing reiterated the commitment of the emirate to supporting the cause of child birth spacing through continued sensitization of local communities.
He described journalism as a veritable platform for public sensitization and awareness creation, adding that Journalists in Bauchi have a history of unity for the maintenance of peace and development.
“This group is very timely and you are coming at a time when we are confronted by another health challenge—the coronavirus pandemic.
“I’m blessing this group and I hope that you will maintain the tempo in ensuring that the people of Bauchi State get the health messages and sensitization they deserve”, he said.
Earlier in her speech, the Chairperson of the network, Bulak Afsa said the formation of the group was necessitated by the need for consistent advocacy and factual news reportage that would create awareness and disseminate accurate health information, which she says would help people make informed decisions regarding their health.
Bulak said the group houses 25 journalists from different media outfits who were trained by The Challenge Initiative and other NGOs with the view to disseminate factual and accurate health information to the citizens of Bauchi state and beyond.
“Your royal highness this group of vibrant journalists is a conglomerate of both print and electronic media who are passionate about investigative and data driven journalism particularly in the aspect of health.
“Their formation is to consolidate on the efforts of journalists in ensuring that only accurate and correct information is disseminated to the public, so that our failed health system would be revived for public good”, she maintained.
Mrs Rabi Ekele, the Bauchi State Coordinator of The Challenge Initiative commended the emir for his support, hoping that other traditional title holders will emulate.
