The Edo State First Lady, Dr. (Mrs.) Betsy Obaseki, alongside her Oyo State counterpart, Mrs. Tamunominini Makinde, has called for concerted efforts to combat the rising prevalence of teenage pregnancy and abortion, which significantly hinder the social development of young girls in Nigeria.
This call to action was made during a seminar in Benin City, marking the fourth edition of the Betsy Obaseki Women Football Tournament (BOWFT), themed “Say No to Teenage Pregnancy and Abandonment.” Former First Ladies of Ekiti and Imo States, Erelu Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi and Nneoma Okorocha, respectively, also joined the initiative, advocating for improved conditions for the girl-child.
In her opening remarks, Mrs. Obaseki highlighted the progress made in the fight against social vices impacting young girls, noting a significant increase in the number of states adopting the Violence Against Persons (VAP) Law, which has grown from 12 to 35 states. She emphasized the importance of these laws in protecting the girl-child and holding violators accountable.
“We gather here every year to address social vices affecting the girl-child in the country. We are not just here to play football but to address these challenges,” she stated. “Teenage pregnancy and abortion have become serious issues in Nigeria, particularly in the South-South region, exposing children to various health risks, including Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF). Poverty has made families vulnerable, leading to the exploitation of young children.”
Mrs. Obaseki also noted the effective measures implemented in Edo State over the past eight years to safeguard the girl-child, including the prosecution of offenders under the VAP Law.
Former First Ladies Adeleye-Fayemi and Okorocha, along with other attendees, expressed gratitude to Mrs. Obaseki for her impactful initiatives that have positively influenced many lives.
The keynote speaker, Ambassador Nkoyo Toyo, praised Mrs. Obaseki’s innovative approach, referring to it as a model for addressing teenage pregnancy and child motherhood in the South-South region. She underscored the importance of empowering girls to assert their rights and make informed decisions about their lives.
“The Obaseki model offers a comprehensive strategy to address the multifaceted challenges facing the girl-child in Nigeria,” Toyo remarked. “It provides a framework for keeping girls engaged and winning the battle against the issues they confront.”
The seminar served as a platform for collaboration and dialogue among stakeholders dedicated to enhancing the welfare and rights of young girls in Nigeria.
