*As NGO identify, supports 12 teenagers in Ibadan
By Adeyinka Adeniran
Oyo state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs Toyin Balogun has called on women to be mindful of how they treat young girls who falls victim of teenage pregnancy.
She said, when victims of teenage pregnancy are badly treated, they can run into waiting hands of people with nefarious activities including human traffic, organ harvesting, and baby factory.
Mrs Balogun made the call in a remark at an event organised by a non Governmental organisations, Twenty-one Five Child Foundation (T1FF) to identify and support 12 pregnant teenagers as part of activities to commemorate the International Women’s Day celebration.
The pregnant teenage girls were selected from PHCs in Ibadan Southwest local government area of the state.
The event with the theme “Give and Gain” held at the Twon Planning Primary healthcare Centre, Ring Road, Ibadan with a special programme for “Mum & Child Project 4.0.”
Represented by the Chief social welfare officer of the Ministry, Mrs Ibironke Igien, the Commissioner cautioned parents not to be too hostile to their pregnant teenagers so as not to push them into considering unwholesome options such as abortion, suicide attempt among other vices.
Addressing the girls, Mrs Balogun urged them to stand firm and stay positive against any form of stigma or societal judgment that may be passed down on them.
She said, “I want to congratulate the parents of these teenagers that they have not allowed societal condemnation to push then into social vices like abortion, suicide attemp on account of their mistake of being pregnant at such a tender age.
“I appeal to parents not to be too harsh on these children. People make mistakes and they have made their own, but this not the end of life for them.
“Parents must be careful not to expose these pregnant teenagers to evil in the society by pushing them into waiting arms of baby factory owners and operators.
“I also want to advise our girls, you have made a mistake and it’s normal for your parents and family members to react, please be careful and always be ready to apologise and beg them as many times as possible pending the time their hurt would be healed..
“Also, avoiding using just any drugs or medication without showing your parents or nurses first, irrespective of who give such drugs to you.”
In a brief presentation at the event, the Executive Director, Gender Alive Foundation (GAF), Mrs Jadesola Ajibola enjoined the girls, to take their future seriously by setting goals that can materialise into a sustainable future for the mother and child.
According to here, there are several challenges that will face teenagers including stigmatization, shame, and ignorance among others on account of being pregnant at an early age.
She called on parents of teenage girls to monitor them to ensure they walk through the delivery journey while they suporot then to return back to their normal lives after childbirth.
Ajibola urged the pregnant teenagers to be ready to return to school or take up skill acquisition, depending on what they want after delivery while they avoid any form of suicide attempt which is usually common at this stage.
She added that giving up is not an option at this stage but they must be willing to forge ahead for the future.
Speaking earlier, the Executive Director, T1FF, Ambassador Tolu Taiwo while motivating the girls urged them to pick up the pieces of their life, make a success story, and impact lives, especially young girls, by sharing their mistakes and experiences.
She said the organisation is working with PHCs and government hospitals to help girls, providing them with support, and helping them get back to school or learn a skill.
She explained that the challenges the organisation is facing include scouting for these girls, moderating, and mentoring them, noting that not all the girls that were identified and approach will comply with embracing the support.
According to her, some of the factors responsible for teenage pregnancies include ignorance, promiscuity, greed, rape, and abuse, often perpetrated by family members or religious leaders.
The T1FF Boss emphasizes the importance of collective responsibility, urging parents, religious bodies, schools, and individuals to play their part in helping these girls, atressing that the organisation is working actively with various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Woman Affairs, Ministry of Health, and Ministry of Information, to spread awareness and provide support.
She noted that the goal of the effort is to give the girls a second chance at life and help them become successful.
Ambassador Taiwo hiwever disclosed that her organization is open to collaborations and funding from individuals and organizations to support their cause, stressing that her team is committed to making a difference and inspiring others to do the same.
Highpoint of the event was the presentation of sanitary and ante natal items to the teenage pregnant girls with a plan to support them begin life afresh after the delivery of the babies.
