Interest groups call for increased investment in family support initiatives in Akwa Ibom

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Stakeholders have called for increased investment in evidence-based parenting programmes to protect children and strengthen families in Akwa Ibom State.

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They made the call at a dissemination workshop themed “From the Airwaves to Stronger Families: Evaluating Parenting 101 with Isang and Shaping the Future of Parenting Support in Akwa Ibom State.”

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According to a statement made available to PUNCH Online on Saturday, the workshop, organised by Parenting for Lifelong Health and the Global Parenting Initiative at the Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, was funded by the John Fell Fund, University of Oxford.

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It brought together government officials, researchers, media professionals, child protection experts, academics, civil society organisations and community stakeholders to examine the findings of an independent evaluation of the radio programme, Parenting 101 with Isang, and to identify strategies for expanding parenting support across the state.

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Welcoming participants, the Head of Advocacy at the Global Parenting Initiative, University of Oxford, Isang Awah, said parenting was one of the most important responsibilities adults undertake, yet many parents received little or no support to navigate its challenges.

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“Parenting 101 with Isang was created to bridge this gap by making evidence-based parenting advice accessible through radio—a platform that reaches families where they are. When parents are supported, children thrive, families become stronger and communities become safer,” she said.

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Delivering special remarks on behalf of the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Inibehe Etukudo, the Director of Child Development at the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Enoima Clinton, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to promoting child wellbeing and strengthening families through partnerships and evidence-informed interventions.

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The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of XL106.9 FM, Utibe Ukim, who was represented by the station’s General Manager, Samuel Williamson, highlighted the role of the media in driving positive social change.

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Williamson reflected on the impact of Parenting 101 in strengthening families and called for its expansion through greater collaboration, interactive programming and sustained investment in parenting support.

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The State Coordinator of the Child Protection Network, John Umo-Otong, in a presentation, underscored the importance of child protection in building healthy families and resilient communities.

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Findings from the evaluation of the programme were presented by a don at the University of Uyo, Nsikanabasi Wilson.

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The evaluation found encouraging evidence that the programme had improved parents’ knowledge, confidence and use of positive parenting practices, while also highlighting opportunities to reach more families.

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The Vice Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, University of Uyo, Charles Obot, emphasised the transformative role of the media in shaping social norms, promoting positive parenting and supporting healthy child development.

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One of the workshop’s highlights was an interactive World Café Dialogue, during which participants developed recommendations for strengthening parenting support across the state.

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Discussions focused on three key areas: expanding access to parenting support through radio, community structures, schools and faith organisations; strengthening connections between parenting programmes and child protection, health, education and social welfare services; and building sustainable partnerships, financing mechanisms and policy commitments to ensure the long-term scale-up of evidence-based parenting programmes.

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Participants recommended stronger government leadership, deeper collaboration across sectors, increased investment in parenting support, greater use of trusted community structures and local media, and the integration of parenting programmes into existing public services.

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The Director at the Ministry of Information, Eunice Egharevba, commended the initiative and highlighted the role of strategic communication and partnerships in ensuring that evidence-based parenting messages reached more families across the state.

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The workshop also introduced stakeholders to the forthcoming Second Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children in Manila, Philippines, where governments from around the world will review progress and make new commitments to ending violence against children.

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Awah encouraged participants to become champions for evidence-based parenting by engaging policymakers, sharing evidence, building partnerships and advocating for stronger policies and sustained investment in parenting support.

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The event ended with participants sharing reflections and making personal commitments under a session titled “One Action I Will Take,” pledging to strengthen collaboration within their sectors and advocate for greater support for families across the state.

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