In a bold call to action, stakeholders in South-West Nigeria are urging for immediate and proactive measures to combat the growing issues of teenage pregnancy and child marriage. This plea was made during a regional summit organized by the New Generation Girls and Women Development Initiative, NIGAWD, in Ibadan, which brought together key figures to address these pressing concerns.
The summit was declared open by Oyo State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Toyin Balogun, who emphasized the state’s commitment to tackling these issues. “We have criminalized child marriage and are working tirelessly to address the high rate of out-of-school children,” she stated. This move is a significant step towards protecting the rights and future of young girls in the region.
Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, wife of the Ekiti State Governor, also stressed the importance of education in empowering young girls. “Child education is a top priority for our state government,” she said, highlighting initiatives such as Adire Ekiti and re-enrolment programs aimed at engaging and rehabilitating out-of-school children. Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Peju Babafemi, commended NIGAWD for its efforts in championing the cause of the girl-child, urging the NGO to continue its good work.
The issue of teenage pregnancy is particularly alarming in Ekiti State, which has the highest number of cases. According to Mrs. Yewande Adesua, Social Director of AGILE, the current administration is working hard to change this narrative. The need for collective action was further emphasized by Abimbola Aladejare-Salako, Executive Director of NIGAWD, who lamented the devastating impact of child marriage and teenage pregnancy on young girls’ dreams and aspirations.
Keynote speaker, Emeritus Professor of Gynecology, Oladosu Ojengbede, painted a stark picture of the situation, revealing that over 22 million young women were married before the age of 18 and subsequently dropped out of school. He identified poverty, peer pressure, and lack of sexual education as contributing factors to these issues. To address this, Ojengbede suggested a multi-faceted approach, including empowering communities, increasing budget allocations for girl-child programs, educating both girls and boys about sexual health, and enforcing laws that protect the rights of the girl-child.
The summit served as a crucial platform for stakeholders to come together and pledge their support for the cause. As the region moves forward, it is clear that a collaborative effort is necessary to effectively tackle the menace of teenage pregnancy and child marriage. By working together and implementing proactive measures, it is possible to create a brighter future for young girls in South-West Nigeria, where they can realize their full potential and contribute positively to their communities.
