October 10, 2010 – Lagos State government has embarked on an aggressive programme to reduce the menace of unwanted pregnancy and other social vices among the youths.
The campaign, which took off at the Special Correctional Centre for Boys in Oregun took the youths on issues ranging from teenage pregnancy, to reproductive health, HIV/AIDS, stigmatization and peer group influence among others.
Speaking at the ceremony, Assistant Director, Youth Development, Mr. Bode Adams said the programme was designed to bridge the knowledge gap between youngsters residing in the correctional centres and their counterparts in the society.
He said that sex education which was part of the training was meant to create awareness about the negative impact of early sexual activities, especially as teenagers and also prepare them for the challenges that they may face as a result of body changes and growth.
“These special people deserve as much quality life as other children in our society and as such it is the responsibility of a government that truly cares to give them a sense of belonging and not neglect them.”
Adams said the training programme would also complement their classroom knowledge on the various ills and vices in the society and in turn make them peer educators wherever they find themselves in the future.
He expressed hope of a better life for the children and urged them to extend the knowledge gained to their colleagues.
The students, in response, thanked the State Government for giving them a sense of belonging and for the enlightenment programme, pledging to put to good use the knowledge gained during the training.
