BY FASILAT LAWAL
There is the need for proper attention to be given to adolescents for them to overcome various challenges bedeviling the society.
This was the submission of stakeholders at a Forum on “Adolescents and Youths Health policies in Africa: Fostering international partnerships to contribute to Adolescents and youths Health in Nigeria Organized by University Of Ibadan Research Foundation Held at Trechard Hall at the University.
The keynote Speaker, Chief Of Health, United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, UNICEF, Dr Eduardo Celades who pointed out that 50 million Adolescents in Nigeria were facing numerous crisis such as Insecurity, Malnutrition and Mental Health issues, expressed willingness of UNICEF to tackle some of the challenges in Collaboration with government and its agencies.
In a remark, Director ,University Of Ibadan Research Foundation, Professor Ayoade Oduola described youths as the best assets for the future of Nigeria, saying the foundation is working with some stakeholders in Nigeria to create a framework to overcome the challenges of health of Adolescents and youths for better development.
Declaring the Event Open to also mark the 75th Anniversary Of University of Ibadan , The Vice Chancellor, Professor Kayode Adebowale noted that the outcome of the stakeholders forum were designed to provide pathways towards generating valuable tools to develop sustainable solutions to challenges of Adolescents and youths health in Nigeria and it is expected that the strategic solutions would empower the nation to translate into policy to drive positive changes.
Professor Adebowale added that it was important to provide each individual with comprehensive information and appropriate perspectives on Mental Health, Sexual and reproductive health Education information and services ensuring that adolescents and youths have tools to make informed decisions about their choices and implications for the future.
In his Submission, the Former Commissioner for Health, Lagos State Dr Jide Idris Warned that if the huge population of Adolescents and youths in the country were not properly managed by government, It could cause negative effects on policy making for them .
A Lecturer at the Department of Psychiatry, University of Ibadan, Dr Jibril Abdul Malik said, dysfunctional family background, bullying, loneliness and depression were risk factors of high rate of suicide, calling on the parents to give adequate care to their children by Interacting with them for proper guidance.
The Event Featured a panel Discussion and had in attendance of Students from Some Secondary Schools in Ibadan, Teachers and parents.