News
Bridging Gap Between Awareness And Usage: The Role Of Local Influencers In Family Planning Advocacy In Edo

By Joseph Ebi Kanjo
As inflation continues to take a toll globally and Nigeria faces a significant population surge, the need for effective childbirth control—commonly known as family planning—has become more pressing than ever. Family planning is a cornerstone of reproductive health that empowers individuals and couples to make informed decisions about the number and spacing of their children. It is increasingly vital for Nigerians, especially in states like Edo, to adopt this practice to navigate current economic realities.
In Edo State, research shows that awareness of family planning is impressively high. In fact, some studies report that up to 98.5% of women are aware of contraceptive options. Despite this, there remains a significant disparity between awareness and actual usage, particularly among women. This gap highlights the urgent need for more targeted and effective interventions to boost contraceptive uptake.
Traditional media platforms such as radio, television, and print media have played essential roles in raising awareness. Additionally, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), in collaboration with the Edo State government, have contributed significantly to this progress. However, while these efforts have laid a solid foundation, the low adoption rate suggests that more innovative and culturally sensitive strategies are required.
READ ALSO: Economic Hardship: There Is Need For More Family Planning – Expert
One promising approach is the use of local influencers. Social media influencers with large, engaged audiences can be powerful advocates for family planning. Their ability to communicate directly and credibly with young people and communities makes them ideal for spreading accurate information about the benefits of family planning. These benefits include improved reproductive health, lower maternal and infant mortality rates, and enhanced economic empowerment for families.
Beyond social media, engaging community leaders, traditional rulers, and other local opinion leaders can also be highly effective. These individuals often hold deep-rooted influence within their communities and can help dispel myths and misconceptions surrounding family planning. Their involvement adds a layer of trust and cultural relevance that is often lacking in conventional media campaigns.
Dr. Bright Oniovokukor, in a recent presentation, emphasized the importance of involving local influencers in family planning advocacy in Edo State. He argued that partnering with individuals who understand local customs and values can significantly enhance the reach and impact of advocacy efforts. He called on NGOs, community leaders, and policymakers to actively engage local influencers in driving family planning campaigns across the state.
In conclusion, while Edo State has made commendable progress in raising awareness about family planning, bridging the gap between awareness and usage requires fresh, community-focused approaches. Leveraging the influence of trusted local figures—both online and offline—could be the key to achieving meaningful change in reproductive health behaviors and outcomes.
News
Shatta Wale Bailed Burna Boy From Ghana Prison After Arrest For Smoking Weed – Captan

Ghanian singer, Captan, has claimed that his former record label boss, Shatta Wale, once bailed Nigerian singer Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana after he was allegedly arrested for smoking weed.
Speaking in a recent podcast interview, Captan claimed that Shatta Wale sent him and others to free Burna Boy from police custody.
He also claimed that Shatta Wale and his group once accommodated Burna Boy when he was being hunted by some dangerous men.
READ ALSO: Wale Edun Opens Up After Sack
Captan said, “I once bailed Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana when he was arrested for smoking weed. Shatta Wale sent me and some guys to go and free him from police custody.
“There was a time we also accommodated him when some people were after his life. We helped him settle the case.”
He added that he and Burna Boy are no longer in good terms after the Nigerian artist’s fallout with his mentor, Shatta Wale.
He, however, said he and Shatta Wale are open to reconciling with Burna Boy if he asks for it.
Watch the video here
News
Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray.
The event,
organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue.
A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.”
Oboh said the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation within the crowded arena.
READ ALSO:Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection
It was gathered that in the ensuing confusion, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students.
Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.
The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.
Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.
READ ALSO: Egor LG Chair, Ogbemudia, Vice, Osawe Impeached
Reacting to the incident, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel that fired the tear gas had been detained.
He said all the students, except two, that were rushed to the hospital have been discharged.
Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.
“The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.
“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day.”
News
Okpebholo Salutes Edo Muslims, Seeks Continued Support, Prayers

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has urged Muslims and all Nigerians to continue to pray for peace, unity and progress in the country even as they celebrate the annual Eid-al-Adha
The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, stated this during the annual Eid-al-Adha celebration with Muslim faithfuls held at Government House in Benin City.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunities for all citizens irrespective of religion and tribe.
READ ALSO:ADC Penetrates Okpebholo’s District As Defections Strengthen Party in Edo Central
According to him, the present administration remains determined to building a government that reflects the diversity of Edo State, noting that competent and qualified Muslims have continued to play vital roles in his government because of their capacity, integrity and commitment to service.
“As a government, we remain committed to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunity for every Edo citizen, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation. This is why quality and competent Muslims are serving in key positions in our administration.”
Okpebholo appreciated the Muslim community in Edo State for their unwavering support and continuous prayers for his administration, noting that such prayers and support have contributed immensely to the peace and steady development being witnessed across the state.
READ ALSO:Okpebholo Felicitates Muslims On Eid-el-Fitr Celebration
He then called on all Nigerians to use the occasion of Eid-al-Adha to pray for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the country needs collective prayers, unity and cooperation to overcome its present economic and security challenges.
“I urge all Muslims and indeed all Nigerians to use this occasion to pray for our dear nation and for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Nigeria needs our collective prayers, unity and support as we strive to overcome our challenges and build a more prosperous future for all.”
In his remarks, the Chief Imam of Edo State, Abdulfatai Enabulele, applauded the governor for what he described as remarkable developmental strides recorded in less than two years in office.
The cleric commended the administration for ongoing infrastructural development and efforts geared towards improving governance in the state, but appealed to the government to revisit and complete some abandoned projects inherited from the previous administration for the benefit of the people.
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