“Stakeholders Urge Nigerian Government to Implement Effective Policies for Adolescents”
At the 4th Annual Scientific Roundtable Series hosted by the Centre for Integrated Health Programme (CIHP), stakeholders emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive policies addressing the vulnerabilities of adolescents and young people. The event, themed “The Missing Link: Reducing Vulnerabilities of Adolescents and Young Persons Through Sustainable Interventions,” highlighted several critical areas needing attention.
Dr. Bolanle Oyeledun, CEO of CIHP, stressed that addressing the needs of young people requires more than just policy discussions. She emphasized the role of parents, the government, and society in empowering the youth with life skills essential for managing mental health, financial literacy, and general life challenges. Oyeledun called for policies to be actively implemented with clear intentions and resources, rather than remaining as theoretical concepts.
Dr. Chukwugozie Ujam, Deputy Director of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), highlighted the necessity of creating safe spaces where young people can voice their concerns and receive support. He also noted the importance of community empowerment in reporting issues and improving police responsiveness.
Dr. Olujuwon Ibiloye, Senior Technical Officer and Paediatric ART Lead at APIN Public Health Initiatives, advocated for a systematic approach in identifying and addressing the issues affecting young people. He emphasized the need for a collaborative approach involving all stakeholders to ensure effective and committed policy implementation.
The overall message from the roundtable was a call to action for a unified effort from the government, parents, and society to address the educational and social challenges facing the next generation.