As part of ongoing advocacy to secure a dedicated budget line for family planning in the 2025 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) budget, a significant advocacy visit was paid to His Royal Highness, Alhaji Idris Musa, MFR, the Emir of Jiwa, one of the main Chiefdoms located in the FCT.

The visit aimed to seek the Emir’s endorsement for the core advocacy objective: ensuring that at least 1% of the FCT health budget is allocated to family planning in the upcoming fiscal year. This allocation would represent a vital step forward in expanding access to family planning services across the territory.

Facilitated by Mallam Umar A. Ubal Gaya—a respected member of the FCT Northern Traditional Leaders Committee—the meeting underscored the critical role traditional leaders play in supporting public health initiatives. Mallam Gaya continues to be a bridge between policymakers and traditional institutions, helping foster community acceptance and support for key health policies.

During the engagement, His Royal Highness expressed strong support for initiatives that promote maternal health, family well-being, and community development. His encouragement reinforced the importance of involving cultural and religious gatekeepers in health advocacy efforts.

This visit is part of a broader strategy to drive policy change through inclusive, community-centered dialogue. As traditional leaders remain influential voices in their communities, their backing adds powerful momentum to advocacy campaigns aimed at improving health outcomes in the FCT.

True progress is possible when all stakeholders unite behind a shared vision. This engagement reaffirms that collaboration—with traditional and religious leaders, policymakers, and communities—is the key to achieving sustainable and impactful health reforms.

Together, we can make family planning not just a priority, but a reality for every family in the FCT.