Yesterday, as a member of the International Conference on Population and Development – ICPD30 International Steering Committee, I had the privilege of joining leaders from the United Nations Population Fund – UNFPA Nigeria and the National Population Commission at the ceremony and summit commemorating the 30th Anniversary of ICPD. This milestone event celebrated the transformative vision set forth by the ICPD Programme of Action three decades ago—a vision that remains an inclusive framework prioritising the rights, dignity, and agency of individuals, with a special focus on advancing opportunities and equity for women and girls.

Under the theme, “The March Continues: Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights for All,” I had the honour of delivering a keynote speech in Abuja. Representing the Wellbeing Foundation Africa’s leadership in Nigeria Stakeholder Commitments Outreach for the Nairobi Summit, and in my capacity as the UNFPA Nigeria Family Planning Champion, I shared key frontline impact outcomes. These outcomes highlighted the dedication of the Wellbeing Foundation Africa’s midwives, nurses, and healthcare workers, whose unwavering commitment continues to drive meaningful progress toward healthier lives for all.

At the Wellbeing Foundation Africa, we are deeply committed to making sexual and reproductive health services accessible to all, eradicating preventable maternal and infant deaths, and ending gender-based violence and harmful practices. Through ground-level programs such as the Mamacare 360 Antenatal and Postnatal Classes and our Adolescent Skills and Drills curriculum encompassing Personal, Social, Health, and Economic – PSHE education and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene – WASH initiatives, we empower communities and reinforce universal health coverage.

To truly uphold and fulfil the promises of ICPD30, we must stay resolute in our efforts to transparently report progress toward three critical goals: zero unmet needs for family planning information and services, zero preventable maternal and infant deaths, and zero instances of sexual and gender-based violence, including early and forced marriage and female genital mutilation. Achieving these goals requires a commitment to strengthening health system resilience and advocating for vulnerable populations who are still waiting for change. Together, we can build a world where health, safety, and opportunity are not privileges, but fundamental rights for everyone.

 

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