Over 50 teenage boys and girls were sensitized against early pregnancy today, the 24th of September 2017 at Bogije community Ibeju Lekki Local Government by Stand To End Rape (STER), an NGO.
The event was held by the Non Governmental Organzation at Bogije Primary Health Centre.
Ayodeji Osowobi, the Executive Director of STER, told the teenagers that in the bid to protect girls against early pregnancy that affects their future negatively, the campaign will help parents and community leaders.
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According to P.M news, Osowobi said: “To enhance their knowledge on dangers of having unprotected sex which lead to unwanted pregnancy, stigma and unsafe abortion.”
“We decided to come to this community because we have many records of teenage pregnancy between 12 and 15 years old in this community.
“We discovered that most of them are sexually active because they do not have information on sexual prevention.”
She pointed out that for teenagers to make the right decision, they need the right information and education about sexual and reproductive health.
Osowobi said the campaign was moving from one local government to the other so as to let teenagers know how they can protect themselves from sexual violence and teenage pregnancy.
She asked for the intervention of government in creating more awareness and enlightenment on sexual violence and teenage pregnancy. She added that all rape cases should be done speedily as the government improves the judicial system.
The NGO, STER is a youth-led organization which was founded in 2014 to put a stop to sexual violence and abuse through education and advocacy. The NGO empowers victims and also offers free medical, legal and psychological services.
Spokesman of Ipas Nigeria, Mr Edosa Oviawe,speaking at the event said: “Girls who have received low amount of education are five times more likely to become a mother than those with higher levels of education.”
“According to National Health Service (NHS), 7.3 million girls become pregnant before the age of 18 each year worldwide.”
“We have more numbers of teenage pregnancy nowadays because most of them are ignorant.”
“Teenage pregnancy increased when girls are denied the right to make decisions about their sexual health and well-being.”
“Child marriage is a key factor of teenage pregnancy; approximately 90 percent of births by teenage mothers in developing countries occur within marriage.”
He urged the government to introduce comprehensive sexual education into the curriculum of schools.
Mr Oviawe added: “Every sexual education you give to teenagers will reduce the number of teenage pregnancy.
“Parents should also be free with their children by educating them on abstinence from any sexual activities.”
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Chief Sharafa Musudiku, the traditional ruler of Bogije, appreciated the organizers of the campaign for sensitizing the community against teenage pregnancy. He advised parents not to give their girls in marriage until they are matured and well educated.
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