The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening family planning services, increasing government ownership, and ensuring sustainable healthcare delivery across the state. This was made known by the Executive Secretary of the State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Muideen Olatunji, during the Bi-Annual Stakeholders Coordination meeting organised by the state Ministry of Health and the Primary Health Care Board. The meeting was held in collaboration with the Society for Family Health at Jogor Hotel, Liberty Road, Ibadan.
According to Dr. Olatunji, the changing funding landscape has made it necessary for the government to strengthen its institutions and take greater responsibility for sustaining essential health programmes. The state invested N50 million in family planning commodities in 2025 and has earmarked another N50 million for 2026 to ensure the sustained availability of essential commodities and prevent disruptions in service delivery.
The Oyo State Government has also recruited nearly 4,000 healthcare personnel to strengthen the health workforce and improve service delivery, particularly at the primary healthcare level. Additionally, Ward Development Committees across the state's 351 political wards are being leveraged to promote community participation and increase awareness of family planning services.
Representing the state ALGON Chairman, Hon. Sikiru Sanda, the Vice Chairman, Hon. Olayanju Kazeem, called for increased awareness of family planning among women and families. He stressed the importance of providing accurate information to enable individuals to make informed decisions, particularly in view of prevailing economic realities.
Other stakeholders, including the Iya Loja of Ibadan Land, Alhaja Oyinlola Amiringun, also called for sustained sensitisation and training of market women on family planning. They noted that inadequate information and limited literacy could affect women's understanding and utilisation of available services.
The Society for Family Health and Delivering Innovation in Self-Care 2.0 interventions have trained over 1,000 healthcare workers from 573 health facilities on family planning and counselling for choice. The training equipped healthcare workers with the knowledge to address myths and misconceptions about family planning methods and provide accurate information to clients.
An assessment presented at the meeting showed that Oyo recorded 65.2 per cent institutional readiness for family planning, while nine local government areas had incorporated key activities into their routine programmes. However, some local government areas, including Ibarapa North and Saki West, were identified as requiring further strengthening. Stakeholders stressed the need for stronger coordination, sustained investment, and effective community engagement to ensure family planning remains an integral part of the state's primary healthcare system.
Key points
- Oyo State Government invests N100 million in family planning commodities for 2025 and 2026.
- Nearly 4,000 healthcare personnel recruited to strengthen health workforce.
- Over 1,000 healthcare workers trained on family planning and counselling for choice.
