Kwara State Government, through the Kwara State Primary Health Care Development Agency (KWSPHCDA), has flagged off activities marking the 2025 International Adolescent Health Week at the Alanamu and Okelele Primary Healthcare Centres, Ilorin.
The event, supported by the European Union funded Strengthening Access to Reproductive and Adolescent Health (EU-SARAH) Initiative and United Nation Children Fund (UNICEF), brought together adolescents, health workers, educators, and development partners to raise awareness on issues affecting the health and well-being of young people.
Declaring the week open, the Executive Secretary of KWSPHCDA, Prof Nusirat Elelu emphasized the Agency’s sustained commitment to promoting adolescent health and development. Prof Elelu who was ably represented by the Director of Primary Healthcare Systems, Dr. Michael Oguntoye, noted that the week-long celebration serves as a platform to sensitize young people on responsible behaviour, reproductive health, and access to quality healthcare services.
In her goodwill message, UNICEF Health Specialist, Dr. Hadiza Aliyu, reiterated the importance of creating safe spaces for adolescents to speak out and seek help, noting that Primary Health Care facilities across the state are equipped with adolescent units and designated focal persons to attend to their specific needs.
State Coordinator for Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health Plus Nutrition (RMNCAH+N), Dr. Medinat Olaosebikan, advised adolescents both in and out of school to stay away from drug abuse, avoid risky behaviours, and protect their mental health, describing adolescence as a critical stage that determines lifelong wellness and productivity.
Also speaking, Adolescent Desk Officer at KWSPHCDA, Mrs. Elizabeth Gabi, encouraged the students in attendance to remain focused on their academics and uphold good moral values, stressing that the choices they make today will shape their future.
In her contribution, Chief Executive Officer of Global Hope for Women and Children Foundation (GLOWHOC), Dr. Christiana Oluwole, enlightened the adolescents on physical health, personal hygiene, and the importance of maintaining a positive lifestyle during adolescence.
The International Adolescent Health Week with the theme “Thriving inside and out: Strengthening physical and mental health“ provides a global opportunity to advocate for the physical, mental, and social well-being of young people, while highlighting government and partners’ commitment to building a healthier, empowered, and more productive generation.
