News

Why Teenage Pregnancy Is On The Rise In Nigeria – Expert

Published

12 months ago

May 21, 2025

Mrs Roseline Akinlabi, Adolescent Desk Officer, Osun Primary Health Care Board, says that child marriage and peer pressure are some factors responsible for increase in teenage pregnancy in the country.

Akinlabi said this during an enlightenment programme organised by a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), The Challenge Initiative (TCI), on Wednesday in Osogbo.

The desk officer explained that sexual violence, including rape, and menstruation before 12 years (early menarche), were also significant factors for adolescent pregnancy.

She referenced the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) data, which said Nigeria still had one of the highest teenage pregnancy rates globally.

According to her, the data also indicates that approximately 19 per cent of adolescent girls between 15 and 19 years have begun childbearing.

“Teenage pregnancy can lead to complications during childbirth, including eclampsia, puerperal endometritis and systemic infections.

“It can also lead to pregnancy-induced hypertension, gestational diabetes, infections, dropping out of school, hindering future educational and career opportunities.

“Teenage pregnancy can cause stress and traumatic experience, potentially leading to depression, anxiety and mental health issues.

“Problems associated with teenage pregnancy also include: unsafe abortion, physical abuse, denial of basic rights, psychological stress, among others.

“Adolescence is a critical transition between childhood and adulthood, characterised by significant emotional and physical changes.

“Early adolescence is between 10 and 14 years of age, while late adolescence is between ages 15 and 19.

“During this period, young people undergo significant growth and development, including puberty, cognitive maturation, and formation of a personal identity,” she said.

She, however, said that limited access to affordable, reliable contraception, coupled with stigmatisation and misinformation, could lead to unintended pregnancies.

“According to World Health Organisation (WHO), adolescent pregnancy occurs in females under the age of 20.

“Some ways to minimise teenage pregnancy include combating gender-based violence, empowerment of the girl-child, comprehensive sex education, access to contraception, among others,” she said.
(NAN)

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

52 minutes ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is a subject of interest from three Premier League clubs, according to Sky Sports.

Lazio reportedly rejected offers from Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth for the Nigeria international in January.

La Biancolesti are bracing for more interest in Dele-Bashiru ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports.

The 24-year-old has two years left on his contract with the Serie A club.

The attacking midfielder joined the Rome-based club from Turkish Super Lig outfit Hatayspor in 2024.

He has been a regular feature for Lazio this season.

News

Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses

Published

1 hour ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS South-West Zone D, has announced plans to picket South African companies in Nigeria following the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

DAILY POST reports that some Nigerians were recently killed in South Africa over the violent attacks.

A statement issued to newsmen by Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, Coordinator, NANS South-West, Zone D, said that the association is mobilizing to take decisive and lawful action by organizing peaceful picketing and mass advocacy against South African business interests operating in Nigeria.

“We categorically state that the continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end.

“This will include major corporations such as MTN Group and MultiChoice Group. It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere.

“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” the statement said.

News

N5m, N10m Zero-interest Loans: SheVentures Opens Applications For Women Entrepreneurs

Published

3 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has opened a new round of applications for its SheVentures proposition, offering zero-interest loans of up to ₦10 million to women entrepreneurs to ease access to working capital and support business growth.

The facility provides loans ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦5 million under a general category, and ₦5 million to ₦10 million for sector-specific businesses, with funding capped at up to 50% of an applicant’s average monthly turnover.

At the centre of the offering is a 0% interest rate, with all charges embedded in a transparent structure.

Repayment is structured over four or six months, allowing businesses to match obligations with their cash flow cycles.

Yemisi Edun, Managing Director and Chief Executive of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), said the initiative reflects a deliberate approach to inclusive growth.

“Inclusive growth requires access to capital and the right conditions for businesses to deploy that capital effectively.

“Women-led enterprises are critical to economic activity, yet they face structural barriers.

This intervention aims to help close that gap by providing financing that supports job creation, business expansion, and long-term sustainability for women entrepreneurs.”

“Access to affordable finance remains a major constraint for women entrepreneurs,” said Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, Group Head, SheVentures and Impact Segments at First City Monument Bank (FCMB).

“By removing the cost barrier and offering quick, flexible funding, this zero-interest loan is designed to safeguard existing jobs, enable businesses to invest in growth initiatives, and foster resilience in challenging economic conditions.”

Women-owned businesses account for a significant share of Nigeria’s small and medium-sized enterprises but continue to face high borrowing costs and limited access to credit.

Through these efforts, SheVentures tackles persistent financing gaps facing women-led businesses, combining targeted funding with broader support to empower women entrepreneurs, encourage business innovation, and enhance their ability to compete on a national scale.

Applications for the zero-interest loan are now open.Apply now.