By Olatidoye Akeem
The Kwara State Government has joined the rest of the world to commemorate the 2025 International Adolescent Day with a symbolic road walk and public sensitization campaign held in Ilorin, the state capital.
Speaking during the event, the Director of Public Health, Dr. Oluwatosin Fakayode, described adolescents as leaders of today and tomorrow, emphasizing that they deserve holistic attention and care to help them reach their full potential.
He explained that the celebration and advocacy campaign were designed to raise awareness on issues affecting adolescents—particularly girls—while guiding them away from social vices, exploitation, and other forms of violence.
According to Dr. Fakayode, the administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has demonstrated strong commitment to the protection and empowerment of Adolescent people in Kwara State through various health and social initiatives.
“We are doing everything humanly possible to ensure that adolescents are mentally and psychologically balanced. That is why we continue to educate communities and parents on the rights and wellbeing of adolescent girls.”
He added that the state government, through the Ministry of Health, has continued to ensure that adolescents enjoy access to quality healthcare services without discrimination or stigmatization.
“Our health facilities are now adolescent-friendly. We are working to create an environment where young people can freely express themselves and receive the necessary guidance without fear.”
Dr. Fakayode also appealed to parents and guardians to pay closer attention to their adolescents’ emotional and developmental needs, stressing that many cases of teenage delinquency could be prevented if young people were properly listened to and guided at home.
“Many parents do not listen to adolescents or give them the attention they deserve. They must be guided properly and listened to at all times.”
He urged adolescents to be good ambassadors of their families and the state, promoting peace, hard work, and discipline wherever they find themselves.
At the event held at the Post Office Arena in Ilorin, the Adolescent Desk Officer at the Kwara State Ministry of Health, Buhari Abdulhafeez Oladimeji, expressed appreciation to the state government for its continuous support for adolescent health programs and interventions and the UNFPA for the continuous support most especially donation of reusable menstrual pads.
He explained that the walk was organized to draw public attention to the challenges facing adolescent girls and to promote collective action toward finding lasting solutions.
“The adolescent walk is part of activities marking this year’s International Adolescent Week. It aims to sensitize the public on the peculiar challenges facing young people and how we can all work together to address them,” he said.
According to Buhari, many adolescents continue to face difficulties such as poor menstrual hygiene, reproductive health problems, mental health struggles, and emotional challenges, which often affect their overall wellbeing and academic performance.
He called on community leaders, parents, educators, and relevant stakeholders to collaborate with the government to address these pressing issues.
“The government cannot do it alone. Everyone must play a role in creating a safe and supportive environment for adolescents to thrive.”
Buhari revealed that the state government has established adolescent-friendly clinics and safe spaces in selected hospitals to provide care, counseling, and education for adolescents.
These facilities, he said, ensure privacy and dignity for adolescent girls seeking health or emotional support.
He further disclosed that the Ministry of Health, through the Adolescent Wing, has carried out several outreach programmes to schools across the state, educating students on menstrual hygiene, reproductive health, and life skills.
“We have trained girls on how to maintain good hygiene during their menstrual periods,” he said, adding that free sanitary pads have been distributed to students both within and outside schools, courtesy of the Kwara State Government.
Buhari also highlighted the importance of continued collaboration with local and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in advancing adolescent health and empowerment.
He noted that several significant milestones have been achieved through these partnerships, including awareness campaigns, mentorship programmes, and the provision of reproductive health materials.
The Adolescent Wing, he assured, will continue to work closely with individuals, community groups, and civil society organizations to promote the rights of adolescents and ensure that every young person in Kwara State has access to quality healthcare, and opportunities for self-development.
He concluded by reaffirming the state government’s commitment to sustaining the campaign for adolescent wellbeing and creating an inclusive society where every Adolescent girls can feel safe, supported, and valued.
