By Rauf Oyewole
A health specialist with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), Dr. Oluseyi Olosunde has expressed fear that neglecting adolescent people threatens the future of the country, urging parents and stakeholders to design a robust initiative that caters for the adolescent population.
Olosunde said that more attention has been placed on infants, mothers and children while little or no attention is given to adolescents while millions of them are drifting into behaviour that could destroy their potential.
He said this while speaking with select journalists at the ongoing media dialogue in Azare, Katagum local government area of Bauchi on Tuesday. He said that adolescence is a vital period when biological, social, emotional and cognitive changes occur in adolescents.
According to him, care for adolescents today determines the future. “Adolescents represent a significant proportion of the global population. They are future leaders, workers, parents, and contributors to society.
“Investments in adolescence produce long-term social and economic benefits. Investments yield triple dividends: for adolescents now, their future adulthood, and the next generation.
“Many life-long health behaviors, positive or risky-begin during adolescence. Early interventions can prevent adult illness and premature death,” he said.
He suggested that empowering adolescents supports stronger, more resilient societies. Targeted policies and programmes can unlock their full potential. Investing in health, education and empowerment is a strategic priority.
“A healthy, educated, empowered adolescent population strengthens national and global development.”
He urged parents to dedicate more time in upbringing of their children with proper education and investment in their well-being. He said that many untrained adolescents would be readily available for insecurity and other social vices.
He further said that many adolescents have been introduced to hard drugs and robbery because their guardians and parents have probably failed to play their roles. “All these affect our country’s economy. If you have an adolescent who failed to obtain education and rejected skill acquisition, how could such a person be a productive workforce?
“Such a person has become a liability to the nation. Not only that, he or she would marry with no concrete means of livelihood and that is where stealing sets in because he or she wants to survive.”
He added that a well trained adolescent would prioritise his or her health and give birth to healthy children.
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