Monday, July 30, 2012

Way To Go: Lagos sensitises teenagers on rape, pregnancy



 
Worried by increase in teenage pregnancies and rape, Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation and groups have taken sex awareness campaigns to schools in the state.
The ministry, the United Nations Population Fund and the Women’s Optimum Development Foundation at the commencement of the campaign in the state have therefore urged the pupils not to feel shy
 or afraid to
report any case of rape and attempted one to the government.
At St. Agnes School, Yaba, last Friday, resource persons drawn from the ministry, UNFPA and WODEF advised the pupils to keep their bodies, warning them that a small amount of pleasure derived from sex could lead to a big mistake in their future.
They were further advised to avoid teenage pregnancies and to report people harassing them to the government.
Deputy Director, WAPA, Mrs. Adefunke Odutola, said the campaign was aimed at exposing the ills of teenage pregnancies and the consequences of rape.
She advised the pupils to remain steadfast in their focus, adding that many people had failed in life because of lack of direction.
She lamented that more than 20 per cent of maternal morbidity cases in Nigeria affected teenagers.
“As teenagers, sex should not occupy your minds. I want to let you know that sex could lead you to a big mistake that will torment you all through your lifetime,” Odutola added.
Senior Programme Officer, WODEF, Badejoko Fabamise, alerted the pupils to the dangers of sex such as contracting infection and getting unwanted pregnancies.
She urged them not to hesitate to report any sexual harassment to their parents, adding that if their parents failed to act, they should report to the government.
Fabamise said, “In your own interest, do not indulge in premarital sex. Sex could ruin your future; that is why abstinence is important.
“At your age, sex should come last in your mind. All you need now is to have a fulfilled future and focus on your education.”

 - Punch

...This is a good move...or what do you think?

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