Rt. Hon. Kwamoti Bitrus La'ori represents Numan/Demsa/Lamurde Federal Constituency of Adamawa State in the House of Represen...
Rt. Hon. Kwamoti Bitrus La'ori represents Numan/Demsa/Lamurde Federal Constituency of Adamawa State in the House of Representatives, where he serves as Chairman of the House Committee on Public Petitions. A ranking and dedicated legislator, he has sponsored numerous bills and motions on health, education, and community development. In recent months, he has championed increased funding for the health sector in the 2025 financial year and called for urgent measures to curb the spread of diphtheria and other preventable diseases. His election in December 2024 as National President of PPFN reflects his long-standing commitment to improving health outcomes across Nigeria.
Ado-Ekiti, 14 August 2025 – Fresh from delivering the lead paper at a seminar organized by the Ekiti State Bureau of Statistics, in this interview with our correspondent in Yola, Rt. Hon. Kwamoti La'ori spoke on why forging stronger partnerships between Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) is crucial to advancing Nigeria’s population health agenda.
Honourable La'ori, you presented a paper on fostering closer ties between LGAs and NGOs. Why is this such an urgent priority now?
Nigeria’s population has exceeded 220 million. That figure is not just a statistic—it’s a call to action. We cannot achieve our goals in reproductive health, family planning, gender equity, and youth empowerment without combining resources and expertise. LGAs are closest to the people, while NGOs bring technical know-how, innovation, and flexibility. Working in silos slows progress; working together accelerates impact.
You referenced success stories in your speech. Can you share some examples?
Absolutely. In Kaduna, Cross River, and Ogun States, PPFN partnered with LGAs to run joint outreach programs, train health workers, and engage communities. These collaborations have led to fewer teenage pregnancies, higher uptake of family planning services, and greater community awareness about reproductive rights. These gains were no accident—they were the result of deliberate, structured partnerships.
You were recently elected as National President of PPFN. What does this role mean to you, and what is PPFN doing right now?
Being elected National President of PPFN is both an honour and a deep responsibility. PPFN is one of Nigeria’s leading reproductive health organizations, delivering services in family planning, maternal health, HIV prevention, and youth programs across all six geopolitical zones. We work hand in hand with governments, communities, and development partners. For me, this role is a natural extension of my work in parliament—whether it’s pushing for greater health funding or moving motions on public health emergencies like diphtheria. It allows me to connect policymaking with grassroots implementation.
What specific steps do you recommend to strengthen LGA–NGO collaboration?
We must institutionalize joint planning frameworks so priorities are set together, supported by shared data systems for evidence-based action. We also need to strengthen community advocacy, engaging traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, and women’s organizations. These partnerships must be embedded in the health system, not left to chance.
You’ve stressed leadership in this process. Who should lead?
Leadership must be shared. LGAs have the administrative authority and local reach; NGOs bring expertise and innovation. But both must rally community leaders, civil society, and development partners behind a common vision. The future of Nigeria’s population health depends on our collective ability to collaborate, innovate, and lead together.
Tell us about the seminar—who attended?
It was an impressive gathering—State Executive Council members, the State Statistician General, LGA chairmen, traditional rulers, religious leaders, NGOs, and other stakeholders. The Ekiti State Governor, represented by Deputy Governor Chief (Mrs.) Christianah Afuye, formally opened the event. Among the distinguished attendees was His Royal Majesty, the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba (Dr.) Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe Aladesanmi III, CON, JP, OFR, whose presence highlighted the vital role of traditional leadership in health advocacy. Seeing such a diverse group in one room gives me hope that these collaborations will soon translate from dialogue into tangible action.
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