Sylvester Idowu, based in Warri, recently shared insights about an important initiative taken by the office of the Olu of Warri, in collaboration with the NNPCL and CORA Care Foundation. They are working to tackle the various social challenges affecting the physical, emotional, and psychological development of adolescents in Warri, Delta State.
In an exclusive interview, Idowu announced plans for a one-day seminar targeted at Senior Secondary School students aged 12-19, set to be held on Thursday, October 24, at Brownhill Coliseum on Elf Road Ogunu, starting at 9:00 AM. The event, titled “Empowering Adolescents for a Sustainable Future,” aims to equip young participants with the knowledge and skills necessary for making informed career choices.
The seminar will also focus on educating adolescents about reproductive health and hygiene practices, raising awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and its potential connection to cancer, discussing the impact of early pregnancy on cancer risk, and promoting essential life survival skills for overall well-being.
Recent reports highlight a concerning trend regarding substance use among Nigerian adolescents. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, approximately 27.6% of individuals aged 15-19 use psychoactive substances, while the Global School Health Survey revealed that about 17.2% of students aged 11-16 have used cannabis. Additionally, the National Demographic and Health Survey indicates that 15.1% of adolescents in the 15-19 age group have experienced pregnancy, and the National HIV/AIDS and Reproductive Health Survey reported that 23.2% of young people aged 15-24 engage in unprotected sex.
Idowu explained that several factors hinder the healthy development of adolescents, including peer pressure, lack of parental support, insufficient education, access to harmful substances, and socioeconomic challenges. He emphasized that these issues can lead to long-term physical and mental health problems, decreased economic productivity, and an increased risk of exploitation, violence, and social inequality, which ultimately adversely affects community development and societal well-being.
As Warri prepares for this significant seminar, the hope is to empower adolescents with the tools they need to navigate these challenges successfully.
