The Emir of Rano, Alhaji Muhammad Isa Umar, is championing a quiet but significant change in his emirate.
At a time when Nigeria continues to grapple with high maternal and infant mortality rates, the traditional ruler says his people are now embracing child birth spacing – a shift he credits to increased awareness and education on its health benefits.
Speaking during an interaction with journalists who visited his palace last Friday as part of the Solutions Journalism Field Reporting Trip, the Emir described the adoption of child birth spacing as one of the most important cultural shifts in his community.
The trip, organised by Nigeria Health Watch, in partnership with MSI Nigeria Reproductive Choices and the Family Planning News Network (FPNN) was designed to address Nigeria’s reproductive health challenges through the lens of solutions journalism.
He said, “Our men have embraced the various methods of child birth spacing, which has reduced giving birth to children more than a household can effectively manage."
Our people are accessing the methods that best suit them, and they have seen that when children are properly spaced, they are healthier and happier. Mothers are also stronger and better able to care for their families,” he added.
Faith Leaders Driving Acceptance
In Rano, religion plays a powerful role in shaping attitudes. The Emir noted that the endorsement of Islamic scholars has been crucial in helping families accept child birth spacing.
“On Fridays, our preachers talk about the importance of spacing births,” he explained. “People are listening. They have seen the evidence - children spaced apart are thriving compared to those born too close together.”
The palace, he said, works closely with district and village heads, as well as Fulani leaders, to carry out grassroots sensitisation.
Healthcare Gaps Still Wide
Despite the progress, Alhaji Muhammad Isa Umar was quick to point out the challenges. Access to healthcare remains a pressing issue in Rano.
“We have Primary Healthcare Centres but some of them are far from the communities. There are large numbers of people who find it very difficult to reach the few facilities available.”
For those who do live near a facility, the story is brighter. The Emir praised the dedication of health workers who, he said, “are doing their best to provide efficient services despite limited resources.”
The Emir commended MSI Nigeria and its partners for providing the commodities and counselling services that have made this change possible. However, he called on them to ensure timely supply to maintain community trust.
Journalists Trained to Tell Solution Stories
The palace visit formed part of a broader training programme designed to change how health stories are reported in Nigeria.
Twenty journalists from across the country took part in a three-day Solutions Journalism Field Reporting Trip, which focused on family planning and sexual and reproductive health (SRH).
The training introduced participants to reporting techniques that move beyond highlighting problems to spotlighting solutions that work.
The Director of Media Programmes at Nigeria Health Watch, Chibuike Alagboso, stressed that the move was to make “journalists become champions of solutions journalism.”
Participants also met with officials from the Kano State Primary Healthcare Board and adolescent health advocates. Zara’u Ibrahim, Adolescents Focal Person, shared that the state has 423 youth-friendly centres that provide SRH services.
“We have worked to ensure stock-outs are minimised so young people can access what they need,” she said.
Also speaking, Norms Advisor at MSI Nigeria, Abdullahi Isah, highlighted the organisation’s approach.
“We leverage community structures to deliver our services by working with leaders, health workers, and trusted figures. We ensure these services are accessible and acceptable.”
