The Federal Government has launched the My Family Companion National Reading Relay, a nationwide literacy and health awareness initiative aimed at setting a new Guinness World Record while promoting maternal, child and family health advocacy across Nigeria.
The initiative, unveiled at a press conference at the Federal Ministry of Youth Development in Abuja, is being organised in partnership with the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN), Red Media Africa and Dr. Otubo Victor, author of My Family Companion.
This was contained in a statement on Wednesday, 13th May 2026, by Omolara Esan, Director, Information and Public Relations.
Representing the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, Mr. Emmanuel Essein described the programme as a major national movement designed to strengthen literacy, youth participation and family wellbeing.
He said the event, scheduled for May 15, 2026, is part of activities marking the International Day of Families and aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of 2026 as the Year of Families and Social Development.
Essein explained that beyond seeking to break the current Guinness World Record of 130 participants in an online video reading relay, Nigeria is mobilising more than 300 readers across the 36 states and the diaspora.
He said the initiative is intended to amplify youth voices, strengthen family values and inspire a new generation of advocates for maternal, newborn and child health.
“The National Reading Relay is not merely an attempt to set a Guinness World Record; it is a national movement that harnesses the power of reading, storytelling and youth participation to advance awareness of maternal, child and family health,” he said.
Speaking at the event, Executive Director of Stand Consults and project lead, Dr. Otubo Victor, noted that Nigeria continues to grapple with high maternal mortality rates, with postpartum haemorrhage remaining one of the leading causes of maternal deaths after childbirth.
He said misinformation, delayed access to medical care and poor preventive healthcare practices continue to contribute to avoidable deaths.
Victor said awareness and counselling programmes under the initiative would educate women, girls and communities on maternal health, preventive care, vaccination and herd immunity.
Also speaking, Comrade Chukwuma Ugwoke, representing the Director of Mental Health and Psychosocial Affairs, described the programme as a platform for translating policy into practical action.
He said it would empower young Nigerians at home and abroad to champion maternal, child and family health awareness nationwide.