Oluwatobi Adu 
OSOGBO, Nigeria – The Osun State Government Marks International Women’s Day by launching a reproductive health awareness campaign targeting market women across Osogbo.
Health officials visit major markets, including Olaiya, Okafia and Alekunwodo, on Monday to educate traders on sexual and reproductive health rights while distributing free male and female condoms.
The outreach forms part of the state’s broader strategy to improve family planning awareness and women’s health outcomes.
State Family Planning Coordinator Ololade Abatan says the initiative aims to ensure women understand their rights and access reproductive healthcare services.
“The essence of this awareness is to let women know they have rights and should seek justice to ensure those rights are implemented,” Abatan says.
She adds that family planning remains vital for women’s health and economic stability.
Adolescent Desk Officer Roseline Akinlabi calls for stronger support for girls and women across all age groups, urging communities to end harmful practices such as female genital mutilation.
Reproductive Health Coordinator Tolulope Agboire emphasises that investing in women’s education and health yields long-term social and economic benefits.
The outreach receives support from organisations including Marie Stopes Nigeria, OYAWIN, and The Challenge Initiative (TCI).
Officials say such partnerships are essential for translating policy commitments on women’s rights into practical community programmes.
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