News
FG to Prioritize Adolescents’Health, Well-being
FG to Prioritize Adolescents’
Health, Well-being
By: Michael Mike
Federal government has assured that it will give special attention to health and economic challenges facing the country’s adolescent and young population.
It said that adolescents persons between the ages 10-19 years constitute 22 percent of Nigeria’s population while young people of age 10-24 years constitute about a third of the country’s population (32 percent).
According to Globally, there are about 1.8 billion adolescents and young people (ages 10-24), this subpopulation constitutes a chunk of productive
demography.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health Daju Kacholom, speaking at the opening of the Global Forum for adolescents held in Abuja on Thursday, disclosed that government has identified social and health challenges confronting young persons in the country and is determined to addressed them.
She alao said: “In addition, Nigeria prioritizes the special challenges of adolescent health and well-being. Projected population of Nigeria states that adolescents (10-19 years) constitute 22% of Nigeria’s population while young people (age 10-24 years) constitute about a third (32%).
Daju Kacholom who was represented by her Special Assistant, Jummai Abdullahi
said: “It is a unique stage of human development and an important time for laying the foundations of good health.
We are gathered here today to mark the Nigeria national event
because Nigeria recognizes the unique place of adolescents in our demographic composition.”
She noted that: “In addition, Nigeria prioritizes the special challenges of adolescent health and well-being. Projected population of Nigeria states that adolescents (10-19 years) constitute 22% of Nigeria’s population while young people (age 10-24 years) constitute about a third (32%),” she said.
According to Kacholom,
the 202 1-2025 National policy on adolescent and young people, states that young people in Nigeria are diverse and heterogeneous in terms of socio demographic characteristics, health needs, social and health vulnerabilities hence the need for special attention to thIs demography.
“It is on this basis that the Federal Ministry of Health in collaboration with youth-led organizations such as Education as a Vaccine (EVA) and PLAN International organized this national event which is being live streamed on various social media platform,” she said.
Kacholom said the major aim of
the Global Forum for Adolescents was to increase awareness on issues of adolescent and to sustain financial commitment for Adolescent friendly services towards achieving Sustainable
Development Goals.”
Also speaking at the occasion, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Country Representative, Dr Gifty Addico, said: “Adolescents and young people under 25 years which make up about 63% of our nation’s population are a key focus group for UNFPA mandate areas. This cuts across our three transformative goals of zero preventable maternal deaths, zero unmet need for family planning and zero tolerance for gender-based violence and other harmful practices.”
Addico, who was represented by Gender/FGM Analyst, Ms. Karima Bungudu said: “I keenly anticipate the commitment pledges from the Government and our esteemed partners today. This isn’t mere rhetoric but a heartfelt promise to our Nigerian youths, underlining our collective commitment to their aspirations.
“UNFPA is committed to advocating for the rights of young people, empowering them with knowledge and skills to protect themselves and make informed decisions so they can realize their full potential and contribute to economic and social transformation.”
FG to Prioritize Adolescents’
Health, Well-being
News
Atiku urges action to tackle out-of-school children in Nigeria
Atiku urges action to tackle out-of-school children in Nigeria
Alhaji Atiku Abubakar Former Vice President of Nigeria has urged everyone to focus attention on the state of the nation’s education to secure a better future for young people in the country.
Atiku who is the founder, American University of Nigeria, AUN made the call at commemoration of the 17th Annual Founders day 2025 in Yola.
He said “Our beloved country, poised with a youth population that boasts enormous promise, faces staggering challenges that threaten to undermine our most precious asset, our children.
“Currently, millions of children remain out of school, and among those who do enrol, many find themselves disillusioned, trapped in an outdated paradigm that fails to prepare them for the demands of an increasingly complex and competitive world.”
According to him, the classroom experience, already compromised, muddied by overcrowded facilities, lack of resources, and educators who are under-supported.
He added that this dire educational reality is not just an unfortunate circumstance; it poses a profound threat not only on the lives of the youths, but also on the society
“The statistics are sobering; Nigeria holds the regrettable title of having the largest population of out-of-school children in the world.
“How is it that in a country rich in resources, cultural heritage knowledge and a myriad of talents, we find ourselves with such a dismal record?
“Every unattended classroom symbolizes a child with unfulfilled potential, a dream put on hold, and a talent that will remain dormant”, he said.
Atiku further said that If we do not act now to revitalize the educational system, “we doom an entire generation to lives devoid of opportunity, creativity, and the freedom to dream”.
In his address, Prof DeWayne Frazier, President of AUN said, over the years, the institutions has grown from its humble beginnings into a dynamic community that embodies the values of excellence, integrity, and service.
He said, they have educated leaders who are shaping industries, driving change, and transforming communities, not only in Nigeria but across the globe.
“Our mission has always been clear: to provide a world-class education rooted in critical thinking, innovation, and a commitment to sustainable development.
“Today, as we celebrate our continued journey fulfilling that mission, we take pride in the milestones we have achieved: innovative program, pioneering research and community impact”, he said.
According to him, beyond the achievements, what truly sets them apart is their community.
“AUN is not just a university; it is a family. A family bound by shared values, mutual respect, and a commitment to making a difference”, he said.
Atiku urges action to tackle out-of-school children in Nigeria
News
Two policemen killed, three missing as Bandits ambush tactical team in Bauchi
Two policemen killed, three missing as Bandits ambush tactical team in Bauchi
By: Zagazola Makama
Two police personnel have been killed, three declared missing and two others injured after suspected Fulani herdsmen ambushed a police tactical team in Sabon Sara village, Darazo Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the attack occurred on Nov. 22 at about 12:48 p.m. when the operatives were on an intelligence-led patrol in the area, which has recorded persistent farmer-herder conflicts.
The tactical team, drawn from Mobile Police Squadron 10 (Mopol 10), the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, and the State Intelligence Department (SID), was ambushed by yet-to-be-identified herders who opened fire on them.
“DSP Ahmad Muhammad of SID and Inspector Amarhel Yunusa of Mopol 10 were confirmed dead at the scene,” the source said.
The sources added that ASP Mustapha Muhammad and Inspector Idris Ahmed, both of Mopol 10, as well as Corporal Isah Muazu of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, were declared missing after the attack.
According to the sources, Inspector Isah Musa and Inspector Yusuf Gambo, both of the State Intelligence Department, sustained injuries and were evacuated to the General Hospital, Darazo for treatment.
The sources said that the Commissioner of Police has ordered the deployment of additional tactical units to reinforce the Darazo Division and intensify efforts to trace the missing personnel and apprehend the attackers.
Two policemen killed, three missing as Bandits ambush tactical team in Bauchi
News
Police storms bandits enclave after bandits attack, rescue 25 abducted women in Zamfara
Police storms bandits enclave after bandits attack, rescue 25 abducted women in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
The Zamfara Police Command has rescued 25 abducted persons, including 10 women and 15 children, following a coordinated response to a bandit attack on Kuraje village in Damba area of Gusau Local Government Area.
A source told Zagazola Makama on Sunday that the incident occurred on Nov. 21 at about 9:45 p.m., when armed bandits in large numbers invaded the community, shooting sporadically before abducting the victims.
According to the source, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Damba Division, working alongside operatives from the Department of Operations Gusau and Community Protection Guards (CPG), immediately mobilised to the scene after receiving the distress report.
“The joint police teams engaged the bandits in a gun battle and successfully rescued all the abducted women and children,” the source said.
He added that the rescued victims were taken to Sabongari Damba for safety and were expected to be reunited with their families on Sunday morning.
The police assured that efforts were ongoing to track fleeing bandits and enhance security around vulnerable communities in the area.
Further developments are expected as operations continue.
Police storms bandits enclave after bandits attack, rescue 25 abducted women in Zamfara
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