14th November, 2018
The Lagos State Government has commenced a 4-day sensitization programme for school boys on Adolescent Sexual Reproductive Health.
According to the Permanent Secretary, Youth and Social Development, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola, the sensitization programme was aimed at enlightening the school boys on their sexuality and its challenges; issues of sexual and domestic violence/ abuse and the need to report when necessary.
The Permanent Secretary, who was represented by the Chief Youth Development Officer of the Ministry, Rashidat Umar, noted that it had been discovered that the society paid more attention to the girl child on sexual abuse while the boy child suffered for the neglect, hence there was a need to enlighten them on their sexuality.
“Recent happenings have indicated that not only are boys involved in rape and sexual abuse but are also victim of sexual violence,” he pointed out.
The State Youth Ambassador, Habeeb Balogum, in his address said, adolescent boys tended to be more daring, experimental and explore much more than girls of their age group which was the main reason why there should be enlightened on their Sexual Reproductive Health, so that they could take decisions which would not jeopardize their future.
He added that the sensitization programme would also impact on boys the necessary skills for good personality development.
Also, A facilitator on adolescence expression of sexuality, Mr. Adeyemi Temidayo, implored the young boys to prepare themselves on becoming men of value and mission.
“As this is the right time to champion yourself on the kind of man you want to become,it’s the time to work towards becoming a good father and a good husband,” he emphasised.
Adeyemi urged the fathers to be role models to their children while imploring them to serve as good mirrors to them and that mothers “do not take out your bitterness on your children as this might lead to raising of wrong children.
“You have been hired responsibility to model what is right either for the girl child or boy child.”