The Kwara State Government has launched activities marking the 2025 International Adolescent Health Week, aimed at promoting the physical and mental well-being of young people across the state. The event was flagged off at the Alanamu Primary Healthcare Centre in Ilorin by the Kwara State Primary Health Care Development Agency (KWSPHCDA).
The week-long campaign, supported by the European Union–funded Strengthening Access to Reproductive and Adolescent Health (EU-SARAH) Initiative and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), gathered adolescents, health workers, educators, and development partners to discuss issues affecting youth health and development.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of KWSPHCDA, Prof. Nusirat Elelu—represented by the Director of Primary Healthcare Systems, Dr. Michael Oguntoye—reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to advancing adolescent health. She said the initiative provides a platform to educate young people on responsible behaviour, reproductive health, and access to quality healthcare services.
UNICEF Health Specialist, Dr. Hadiza Aliyu, in her goodwill message, stressed the need for safe spaces where adolescents can express themselves and seek guidance. She noted that Primary Health Care facilities in Kwara now have dedicated adolescent units and focal persons to cater to their specific needs.
Similarly, the State Coordinator for Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health Plus Nutrition (RMNCAH+N), Dr. Medinat Olaosebikan, urged adolescents to avoid drug abuse and risky behaviour, emphasizing that adolescence is a defining stage for lifelong health and productivity.
The Adolescent Desk Officer at KWSPHCDA, Mrs. Elizabeth Gabi, encouraged students to stay committed to their studies and uphold good moral values, warning that the decisions they make today will shape their future.
Also addressing the participants, the Chief Executive Officer of the Global Hope for Women and Children Foundation (GLOWHOC), Dr. Christiana Oluwole, educated the adolescents on physical fitness, personal hygiene, and maintaining a positive lifestyle.
The 2025 International Adolescent Health Week, themed “Thriving Inside and Out: Strengthening Physical and Mental Health,” highlights the joint efforts of the government and development partners to build a healthier, more empowered, and productive generation of young people in Kwara State.
