The Ekiti State Government has attributed a 36 per cent decline in teenage pregnancies and a 30 per cent reduction in unmet family planning needs to sustained investment in adolescent health education, improved access to healthcare and the Safe Space Programme in public secondary schools.
The Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Oyebanji Filani, disclosed this on Monday in Ado-Ekiti during a press conference to mark the 2026 International Adolescent Health Week.
The event, held at the Data Bank Hall of the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre at the State Secretariat, was organised by the ministry in collaboration with relevant government agencies, civil society organisations and development partners.
This year’s theme, “Nothing About Us Without Us: Power, Voice, and Health Equity for All Adolescents,” highlights the importance of involving young people in decisions affecting their health and well-being.
Filani said the progress recorded in reducing teenage pregnancies and unmet family planning needs reflected the impact of adolescent sexual and reproductive health initiatives, health education and improved access to quality healthcare services.
He also disclosed that the state had administered 181,464 doses of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to eligible adolescents since its introduction in 2023, with community engagement helping to extend coverage across all 16 local government areas.
According to him, adolescence is a critical stage of physical, emotional, social and psychological development, making access to accurate health information, appropriate medical care and a supportive environment essential.
The commissioner reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration to providing affordable, confidential and adolescent-friendly healthcare services, irrespective of gender, socioeconomic background, disability or location.
He identified the Safe Space Programme in public secondary schools as one of the initiatives helping young people access guidance, discuss health concerns and receive support through peer engagement.
Filani added that the government had strengthened the capacity of gender officers and school counsellors while involving community members in efforts to promote adolescent health, including the introduction of the HPV vaccine.
On youth participation in governance, he said the state had expanded opportunities for young people to contribute to healthcare planning and the ongoing budget process to ensure that policies reflected their needs and experiences.
He also listed investments in the renovation and equipping of health facilities, training and retraining of healthcare workers, and expansion of health insurance coverage as part of efforts to improve access to medical services.
On mental health, the commissioner said the government was working with the Ministry of Education to strengthen counselling services, using the state’s mental health legislation to guide phased interventions.
He urged parents and guardians to maintain open communication with adolescents, provide accurate health information and create homes where young people could discuss sensitive issues without fear of condemnation.
Filani also called on communities to support efforts to tackle drug abuse and other harmful practices that threaten adolescents’ health and development.
Activities lined up for the awareness week include an adolescent health symposium and policy roundtable, radio and television discussions, medical outreach, webinars, writing and arts competitions, debates and interactive sessions.
The commissioner urged schools, traditional and religious institutions, development partners and other stakeholders to sustain their collaboration beyond the annual commemoration.
He stressed that investing in adolescent health was essential to developing a healthier, more productive population and securing Ekiti State’s long-term prosperity.
