Chief Responsibility Officer, Josemaria Escriva Foundation (JOSEF), Dr. Jude Obasanmi, has admonished youths to be mindful of their reproductive health.
He added that if they do, they stand the chance of regulating world population and food supply.
Dr. Obasanmi gave the admonishion at a Programme organised by JOSEF to mark the 2021 International Youth Day.
This year’s celebration, with the theme: ‘Transforming Food Systems : Innovation for Human Planetary Health,’ was celebrated by JOSEF in conjunction with the Challenge Initiative TCI, Connected Advocacy and Edo State Ministry of Health.
The JOSEF activity was marked simultaneously at Ekpoma, Auchi and Igueben.
Addressing young persons during an outreach at Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area, Obasanmi said the theme for the 2021 International Youth Day was apt in the sense that it has now been recognized globally, saying for transformation in the food system, the youths must be involved.
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According to Obasanmi, “If youths are mindful with their reproductive health, they stand a better chance of regulating the world’s population and also food supplies.
“No meaningful transformation can be conducted without the active participation of young persons. I call on government, development actors (CSOs. NGOs, FBOs and CBOs) and individuals to support systems that engage and reward young people who venture into agriculture and other endeavours in life.”
On his part, the Chairman, Edo State Technical Working Group for Adolescent and Youth Health Development (TWGAYHD), Dr. Bright Oniovokukor, appreciated the efforts of JOSEF, Connected Advocacy , TCI and the various Reproductive Health Offices for taking the commemoration of the International Youths Day 2021 beyond Benin City to other Local Governments.
He expressed satisfaction that at least the three Senatorial Districts of Edo State were reached and efforts is in place to ensure that no adolescent and youth in the state would be left out in subsequent events as it relates to adolescent and youths.
He then called on all stakeholders to be ready and be responsive to calls and concern that affect the adolescent and young people as there should be conscious efforts to prepare them from now on to take charge.
Speaking, the Demand Generation Officer of TCI, Mr. Arome Andrew, said TCI was interested in the reproductive health of adolescents and youths, just as he called on all to embrace the various life planning services that are available in the communities.
He added, “If this is done, the youths have a possibility of having a fulfilled reproductive life.”
He commended JOSEF and Connected Advocacy for championing the course of adolescents and reproductive health in the state.
The Reproductive Health Officer in Esan West, Mrs Otobore Philomena, while speaking on the need for young persons to obtain reproductive and clinical health care from government accredited health centres, warned of the consequencies of patronizing quarks.
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She said this may result to sexually transmitted diseases, unwanted pregnancy and unsafe abortion, adding that there are trained nurses to render counseling and other services that the youths might need.
In their separate remarks, two Life Planning Ambassadors for Youths and Adolescents, Miss. Racheal Abhulimen and Mr. Iyanuoluwa Damilare, urged young persons to be mindful of their relationships and work towards a better future.
“When young persons know themselves, they know where they are going to. There would be no future without youths as no healthy future without healthy youths. A healthy youth population would boost food production in the state,” they said.
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