UNICEF, WHO, Niger Govt Jointly Committed To Wellbeing Of Adolescents

Chinwendu Nnadozie

The Niger State government of Nigeria, the United Nations Children’s Education Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) have reaffirmed their collective commitment towards improving adolescents’ well-being through access to quality physical/mental health services in Niger state.

Speaking to journalists after a road walk organized by the Ministry of Primary Health Care (PHC), in partnership with the WHO and UNICEF in Minna the state capital, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Mohammed Gana said the walk is part of events to mark the 2025 International Adolescents Health Week.

The health walk, he said provides an opportunity to educate Adolescents on reproductive health, personal responsibility and as well the importance of accessing available health care services in their various communities.

Gana who was represented by the Deputy Director Community Health Department, Hajiya Fatima Gogo Muhammad described the week as an opportunity to spot light the challenges facing Adolescents by creating safe spaces where they can speak freely, seek help and receive tailored health support enlightenment from trained focal persons.

She said, “We will do all we can to promote responsible behaviour among adolescents by increasing their access to quality physical and mental health services in the state”.

The Permanent Secretary further explained that, “As a government, we are calling for greater prioritization on Adolescents friendly health services to ensure equitable access to care and employment for young people and the need for collaborations among government, development partners, educators and parents to ensure robust implementation of Adolescents and mental health policies.”

Also speaking on the theme of this year’s walk, “Thriving Inside And Out: Strengthening Physical And Mental Health”, the Adolescent Youth Coordinator, Fatima Ahmed said Adolescence is a critical phase marked by both potentials and vulnerabilities that demands targeted interventions by reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to expanding youth friendly health services especially the hard to reach areas.

She therefore called for renewed national commitments towards safeguarding Adolescents physical and mental health, mental well-being, which according to her are keys to Nigeria’s social economy future.

Our correspondent reports that, UNICEF, WHO and other stakeholders also visited the Government Day Science College Tunga, Minna where they sensitized and advised the students to prioritize mental health as part of lifelong health habits.