From Umar Danladi Ado, Sokoto
As Nigeria marked World Population Day on July 11, a traditional title holder in Sokoto State, Magajin Lugga, Alhaji Yusuf Umar Lagaza, has called on residents to adopt childbirth spacing practices to ensure healthier families and a more sustainable population.
Speaking in Sokoto on Thursday, Lagaza stressed that childbirth spacing—also known as inter-pregnancy intervals—plays a vital role in reducing maternal and infant mortality while enhancing family well-being and economic stability.
He explained that allowing sufficient time between births enables mothers to recover fully from previous pregnancies, lowers health risks, and improves prenatal care outcomes.
“Adequate spacing allows mothers to regain their strength, reduce the risks of health complications, and improve prenatal care,” the community leader stated.
Lagaza noted that well-spaced births also help families manage resources more efficiently, allowing better access to education, nutrition, and healthcare for children. He added that the economic benefits extend to communities and the state at large.
“Childbirth spacing can help slow population growth, reduce pressure on infrastructure and public services, and improve the quality of life,” he said.
He urged religious and community leaders across Sokoto to support awareness campaigns and health programmes that promote childbirth spacing, noting that the practice aligns with both health and societal development goals.