Adolescents have been charged to prevent themselves from unwanted pregnancy which can negatively affect their future and lead them to forced marriage.
The Ogun state commissioner for budget and Planning, Mrs. Oluwande Muoyo handed down the advice at a lecture organised for students by the ogun state government in collaboration with United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to commemorate this year’s world population day held at Abeokuta grammar School, Idi-Aba.
Represented by a planning officer in the Ministry Mr. Taiwo Dada, Muoyo said this year’s theme has its focus on “Adolescent Pregnancy” because of the negative effect it has on youths, adding that several girls who fall into this category are deprived of their basic right.
Muoyo further stated that research had revealed that almost 200 million girls will get married before maturity age by year 2020 if drastic measures are not taken to redress the current trend of adolescent pregnancy.
She expressed the commitment of the state government towards providing human and financial resources to upgrade health facilities and ensure that factors militating against the growth and development of adolescents are drastically reduced.
The commissioner therefore enjoined youths to abstain from unwanted pregnancies which can lead them to unplanned marriage, advising them to make good use of their youthful period.
Also speaking at the event, the UNFPA country representative, Mrs. Victoria Akyeamong represented by Dr. Olubunmi Asa said the theme for this year’s celebration was relevant in view of the high rate of adolescent pregnancy.