A six-week reproductive health and family planning providers course has begun in the state. It is organised by the Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria (PPFM), Rivers State chapter.

Speaking to newsmen in his office in Port Harcourt. The state Programme Officer, Mr Emmanuel C .Owor stated that the annual event is aimed at updating the skills toward becoming more skillful in family planning and reproductive health issues.

Mr Emmanuel also used the occasion to urge the state government to do more for those participating in the family planning programme in order to improve the social condition of citizens.

Earlier, the facilitator and lead lecturer, Mr C.C. Odu, who noted that men are also involved in family planning urged men to come out with their wives and take advantage of family planning programmes.

He also stated that the aim of the workshop is to sensitise the public through the various health centres where family planning takes place, and to impress on them the need to accept family planning.

Dimgba Emmanuel, a participant who also spoke during the workshop said the programme has helped him learn some ideas and modern technology as well as the involvement of men in family planning.

Nigeria is an associate of the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) and also a signatory to the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) (1979) and Beijing (China) conference (2001) on Women Agreement.

Source: The Tide Online, 21 July 2008