In order to sustain peace and development in Nigeria, Peace December Nigeria recently organised a mentorship seminar for teenage girls in Lagos state. Peace December Nigeria with its head quarter in New York, USA is an NGO with the objective to enhance peace for sustainable development.
Speaking with one of the facilitators, Dele Olaosebikan, he explained that the mentorship programme is a way to sustain peace in the country:
“The programme will allow peace and security to reign in the sense that, when our children who will be tomorrow generations are well sensitived, there will be reduced unwanted pregnancy which leads to reduced untrained children that constitute nuisance in our society. There will also be reduced drop out from schools which will lead to the increased prostitute population menacing the peace of our society. There will also be reduced portal of incurable disease transmission which has been killing people of great potential in our society. The lists are endless.”
Also, the financial manager of PDN Lagos state chapter, Dr. Adeola Bakare said the programme is a way to guide the teenage girls to the right path:
” This programme will educate and enlighten girls on sex education and related . We hope to improve and upgrade girls’ ability to fight consequences faced as a result of lack or inadequate sex education such as unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases….”
In addition, general secretary PDN, Saliu Bashiru Kehinde explained the benefits of the programme and further urged other organisation to follow the footpath of this innovation:
“the programe will assist the youth in defining and redefining their future, repositioning them to become better leaders by developing the capacity and giving them sense of direction and governance which will in turn stabilize the country. it’s a good programme, other CBOs and youth advocate groups should take cue.”
One of the teenage mentorship programme participants, Zainab Bakare highlighted what she gained from the programme and also appreciated the organisers:
“I have gained a lot from the programme, I am now education in areas of sex, relationship and peaceful coexistence. I would like to appreciate the organisers and the facilitator for imparting such knowledge that will guide me to be peaceful now and in the nearest future.”
Mr Dele further explained the loopholes that the programme stands to fill:
“I see the program as a means of making up for the short coming of our parents. Due to the tensed economy, most parents have to work all day to make ends meet thereby not having time to attend to some of the sensitive domestic needs of their female teenagers. Some of our girls also don’t have the cordial relationship with their parents to discuss what might be bothering them.”
At the programme, Acting Director PDN Lagos chapter, Ikimat Salawu Yusuff said the teenage girls are the determinants of a peaceful economy and so should be focus in all ramifications:
“Every teenage girl is entitled to a better and peaceful future. You need to have a high self esteem, be focus and be determined in order to uphold a peaceful and better life. Education should also be your priority as it is the foundation for great achievements ”
