Stakeholders have called for increased investment in evidence-based parenting programmes to promote child protection and strengthen families in Akwa Ibom State.
The call was made during a dissemination workshop titled, “From the Airwaves to Stronger Families: Evaluating Parenting 101 with Isang and Shaping the Future of Parenting Support in Akwa Ibom State.”
According to a statement issued on Saturday, the workshop was organised by Parenting for Lifelong Health and the Global Parenting Initiative of the Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, with funding from the John Fell Fund, University of Oxford.
The event brought together government officials, researchers, academics, media practitioners, child protection experts, civil society organisations and community leaders to review findings from an independent evaluation of the Parenting 101 with Isang radio programme and explore ways of expanding parenting support across the state.
Speaking at the workshop, the Head of Advocacy at the Global Parenting Initiative, University of Oxford, Ms Isang Awah, said many parents lacked adequate support despite the critical role they play in raising children.
She said the Parenting 101 with Isang initiative was designed to provide evidence-based parenting guidance through radio, making practical parenting information accessible to families.
“When parents are supported, children thrive, families become stronger and communities become safer,” she said.
Representing the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, the Director of Child Development in the ministry, Mrs Enoima Clinton, reaffirmed the Akwa Ibom State Government’s commitment to child welfare through partnerships and evidence-based interventions.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of XL106.9 FM, Mr Utibe Ukim, represented by the station’s General Manager, Mr Samuel Williamson, highlighted the media’s role in promoting positive social change.
He called for greater collaboration and sustained investment to expand the reach of the parenting programme.
Also speaking, the State Coordinator of the Child Protection Network, Mr John Umo-Otong, emphasised the importance of effective child protection systems in building resilient families and communities.
Presenting the findings of the programme evaluation, a lecturer at the University of Uyo, Dr Nsikanabasi Wilson, said the assessment showed improvements in parents’ knowledge, confidence and adoption of positive parenting practices.
He added that the findings also revealed opportunities to expand the programme to benefit more families across the state.
The Vice Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, University of Uyo, Prof. Charles Obot, underscored the role of the media in influencing positive social behaviour and supporting healthy child development.
Participants at the workshop also held an interactive session where they developed recommendations aimed at strengthening parenting support systems across Akwa Ibom State.
