FG backs national reading relay to promote family health awareness
The Federal Ministry of Youth Development has reaffirmed its commitment to youth empowerment, family wellbeing and national development through support for the My Family Companion National Reading Relay and Guinness World Record Attempt.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Mr. Emmanuel Essein, representing the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, described the initiative as a national movement aimed at promoting literacy, youth engagement and awareness on maternal, child and family health across Nigeria.
He disclosed that the Guinness World Record attempt, spearheaded by Dr. Otubo Victor in partnership with the Ministry, the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN) and Red Media Africa, will hold on May 15, 2026, to mark the International Day of Families.
According to him, the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of 2026 as the Year of Families and Social Development and seeks to strengthen Nigerian families as the foundation of national growth and stability.
Essein noted that while the current Guinness World Record for the Most People in an Online Video Reading Relay stands at 130 participants, Nigeria is targeting over 300 readers from across the 36 states and the diaspora.
He stressed that beyond setting a new global record, the programme is designed to amplify youth voices, strengthen family values and raise awareness on maternal, newborn and child health.
In his remarks, Dr. Otubo Victor said Nigeria still battles high maternal mortality rates, with postpartum haemorrhage remaining one of the leading causes of maternal deaths after childbirth.
He explained that awareness campaigns and counselling programmes are being deployed to educate women and communities on preventive healthcare, vaccination and maternal health practices.
Also speaking, Comrade Chukwuma Ugwoke described the initiative as a platform to connect policy with the people and empower young Nigerians to become advocates for maternal, child and family health nationwide.
