Journalists to Deepen Family Planning Reportage Beyond TCI Transitioning in Akwa Ibom
By Ekemini Simon
Journalists who have consistently carried out family planning reportage in Akwa Ibom State have resolved to continue and deepen their reportage of family planning issues in the State beyond the transitioning of The Challenge Initiative (TCI) in Akwa Ibom State.
TCI on Monday, September 29, 2025 had announced that it is transitioning Akwa Ibom State to self-reliance in family planning. The transition implies that besides the State Government receiving technical support from TCI on family planning interventions in the State, the media will no longer receive support for its reportage on family planning interventions from TCI.
These journalists under the platform of Akwa Ibom State Media Advocacy Group on Family Planning have at their media review meeting held in Uyo, facilitated by The Challenge Initiative (TCI) and Development Communications Network (DevComs),
last week said they will design new ways to sustain reportage on family planning interventions.
In their respective remarks, the group members said they will collaborate with other development partners, register the group to assess funding for their work.
To facilitate the registration, the group set up a three-member transition committee with Mrs. Grace Usen as Chairperson, supported by Mr. Emediong Akpaso and Mr. Aniefiok Udonquak.
Presenting a review of the group’s activities, the Chairperson of the Group, Mrs. Grace Usen highlighted the achievements of the group to include airing 354 family planning jingles, publishing 57 media reports, and leveraging social media to engage youth and combat misinformation.
On his part, Mr. Mayowa Adeniran, Media Officer of DevComs, charged the group to sustain and expand its focus to other health issues while creating family planning awareness.
He recommended the group to creatively strengthen its advocacy efforts to attract donor support for their work especially as such opportunities have transitioned to local ownership.
Adeniran, commended the media group for their sustained effort making Akwa Ibom State occupy number one position on family planning publicity among media advocacy groups across the 10 states where TCI and DevComs operate.
He added “As TCI transitions, the Media Advocacy Group must find innovative ways to remain relevant and impactful. This platform can go beyond family planning to support broader health interventions.”
State Programme Manager of TCI, Dr. Obasesam Edet, described the two-year partnership with the media as impressive, particularly in supporting increased uptake of family planning services in Akwa Ibom.
He urged the group to unite and register with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to formalize its structure, improve credibility, and attract new funding opportunities.
“Registration will give the group a corporate identity and enhance its capacity for both local and international collaborations,” Dr. Edet added, noting that TCI would remain available to offer technical support when needed.
Mrs. Enobong Eshiet, the State Family Planning Coordinator, applauded the group’s consistency and professionalism in pushing out family planning messages across traditional and digital media.
Mrs Eshiet said the collaboration had positively impacted service uptake across the state, promising continued support from her unit, stating that TCI is transiting.
‘‘Let’s work together as a team. Let’s sensitise more. As partners, we should be careful in our reporting so that it does not degenerate into negativity,’’ she advised.