Country Presentation at the YOUTH CONFERENCE ON SEXUAL REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AND RIGHTS

Date: March 11-13, 2013

Venue: Miklin Hotel, East Legon, Accra, Ghana.

INTRODUCTION Currently, Nigeria's population is estimated at over 167 million making it the 7th most

populated country in the world and has the largest cohort of Adolescents and Youth in Africa [and second to Asia globally]. Adolescents and Youth segment of our population has continued to grow over the last two decades, with the Adolescents population increasing from about 12 million in 1991 to over 23 million. Similarly, population of Youths has increased from 11.3 million in 1991 to about 23.8 million(1).

10 – 24 years make up 31.7% of Nigeria’s population and about 33% of Junior Secondary School students have a boy or girlfriend(2).

The median age at first sex for young people between age 15-24 years is 16 for female and 17 for males(3).

The proportions of females between 15-20 years contribute to high fertility (10.8% -1991 and 11.0% - 2011) and 12 – 24 years (26% - 1991 and 28% - 2011) which makes one quarter of the total population and proportions expected to reach above 30% by 2020(3).

Nigeria’s young people usually learn about sexual issues from peers, the movies and widely-watched local home videos, the internet, or from the mass media, sources of information which, sadly, are themselves many times misleading, negative adult influence with dangerous aftermath and its attendant risks to society eventually.

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SPACES IN NATIONAL PROGRAMMES FOR YOUTHS INVOLVEMENT

Nigeria has developed so many policies towards addressing Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights issues. Nigeria is also a signatory to several international agreements and obligations targeted at Adolescents and Youth empowerment and development and has accordingly enacted policies and Action Plan to propel the implementation of these policies in order to address their plight. Some of these policies include:

  National Policy on Population for Sustainable Development - 2004; National Policy on the Health and Development of Adolescents and Young People

in Nigeria and its National Strategic Framework - 2007; National Youth Policy (2008); National Reproductive Health Policy- 2010; and Action Plan for Advancing Young People's Health and Development in Nigeria:

2010 - 2012. African Youth Charter (Banjul, Gambia) 2006.  

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ACTIVITIES YOUTH HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN AROUND SRH

Conferences /Workshops.Empowerment: The ability to help the youth control situation

and circumstance of their own lives through moral, physical and financial aid.

Mentoring / Guardianship : Building self confidence in these youths, bringing inspiration through knowledge and enlightenment.

Guidance/Counselling : Creating a continued relationship with the youths for feedback purposes.

Advocacy: Standing in for these youths bringing awareness to the youth as it relates to their rights, thereby bridging information gap.

Media through print, electronic and social media.Internships.

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DIFFICULTIES IN ENGAGEMENT

Inadequate financial budget and release of fundsLack of Government Support/Political willLack of Youth Friendly Sexual and Reproductive Health

ServicesThe existence of cultural beliefs and values.Lack of Field Manpower( with the technical knowhow)Public Awareness (Media – Print, electronic and social media

networks)Non-involvement of youths in programme development,

planning and monitoringDisconnect between policy and action, which often leaves a

wide gap and slow or even stagnate the journey to achievement.

Funders’ condition restricts evidence-based programming.

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HOPE OF ENGAGEMENT/INVOLVEMENT

a. Collaboration/Partnership with government at federal, state and local levels, these agencies should include the following: National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) National Orientation Agency (NOA), National Agency For The Control Of AIDS (NACA), National Communication Commission National Population Commission Ministry of ICT Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education Ministry of Information Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Ministry of Youth Development Ministry of Financeb. Collaboration/Partnership with national and international development partners , CBOs, NGOs etc

c. Implementation of the SRHR curriculum from the upper primary to the tertiary leveld. Develop and strengthen linkages between youth leaders networks in the region and beyonde. Public awareness (commemorative days, public holidays, etc).

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CONCLUSION A case study of champion victory foundation --- This case is particularly

relevant as it mirrors some major difficulties encountered by youth leaders. 19 year old Sophia Odogwu was reached out to on the streets (in a hangout of sex workers) and invited to attend the “Youth Helps Programme” facilitated by the Champion Victory Foundation in the last quarter of 2012. After the conference, Sophia was availed the opportunity of a one-on-one counselling session with the CEO. During the first session, she confided in the CEO, about her ill practices and signified great interest in a positive change. At the second session, Sophia indicated interest in learning a trade, but was advised by the CEO to first acquire the basic skills of reading and writing, and arrangements were made for Sophia to attend Confidence School of Reading and Writing located in Benin City, she was also registered to attend the CE foundation school to aid build her character and generally re-orientate her. On invitation for a third counselling session, Sophia declined attending on the grounds that she makes more money from her ill practices, than she would get from our proposed support. According to her, her mother whom she fends for does not support her stop this sex work. She also stated that she makes an average of ten to thirty thousand naira on every night outing. Since then we’ve been trying all hard to convince Sophia against her mothers’ wish for her and the consequences that follows. However, she still wouldn’t yield.

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