10/06/2026
ABEOKUTA NORTH YOUTH HOLDS STAKEHOLDERS' ENGAGEMENT ON REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH OF WOMEN AND GIRL CHILD
The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Abeokuta North Local Government Branch, on Wednesday, 10th June 2026, organized a Stakeholders' Engagement on Reproductive Health of Women and the Girl Child as part of its commitment to promoting awareness, advocacy, and community action on issues affecting women and girls.
The programme was held at the Registry Hall, Abeokuta North Local Government Secretariat, Akomoje, Abeokuta, and brought together youth leaders, community stakeholders, and members of the local youth constituency to discuss key issues surrounding the health, safety, dignity, and rights of women and girls.
Speaking during the engagement, Comrade Kafidipe Tobiloba and Comrade Bolaji Sulaiman sensitized participants on the importance of reproductive health education, the protection of the girl child, and the collective responsibility of stakeholders in addressing challenges such as gender-based violence, r**e, in**st, harmful social practices, and barriers to accessing appropriate healthcare services.
The facilitators emphasized the need for continuous advocacy and community enlightenment to ensure that women and girls are protected from abuse, discrimination, and all forms of exploitation. They further highlighted the importance of creating safe environments where victims and survivors can access support, counselling, and relevant services without fear of stigma or victimization.
In his remarks, the Coordinator of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Abeokuta North Local Government, Comr. Mujeeb Akewugberu, commended the participants for their interest in issues affecting women and girls and charged them to become ambassadors of positive change within their various communities. He noted that young people have a critical role to play in promoting awareness, discouraging harmful practices, and supporting efforts aimed at protecting the rights and dignity of women and the girl child.
According to him, sustainable development can only be achieved when communities collectively protect and empower their women and girls through education, advocacy, and access to relevant support systems. He encouraged participants to take the lessons learned during the engagement beyond the meeting hall and continue educating others at the grassroots level.
Also speaking at the programme, the representative of the Community and Social Welfare Department, Mr. Olubi, applauded the initiative of the Youth Council and encouraged young people to engage constructively on issues relating to reproductive health, gender equality, and the protection of vulnerable members of society. He stressed the importance of responsible advocacy, community engagement, and collaboration with relevant government agencies in addressing social challenges affecting women and girls.
Mr. Olubi further urged participants to remain committed to promoting healthy relationships, respect for human dignity, and the creation of safe environments where women and girls can thrive without fear of abuse, discrimination, or neglect.
Participants were encouraged to serve as advocates within their respective communities by promoting awareness, supporting vulnerable individuals, and collaborating with relevant institutions to foster a safer and healthier society for women and girls.
The engagement also featured discussions on the role of youth organizations, parents, community leaders, religious institutions, and government agencies in promoting the well-being and development of women and girls. Stakeholders unanimously agreed that sustainable community development can only be achieved when the rights, health, and welfare of women and girls are adequately protected.
The National Youth Council of Nigeria, Abeokuta North Local Government Branch, expressed profound appreciation to the Gender Development Initiative (GenDi) for providing the platform, knowledge, and inspiration that have empowered young people to continue championing advocacy on reproductive health rights and the protection of women and girls within their communities.
The Council acknowledged that the opportunity afforded by GenDi through previous engagements has further strengthened the capacity of youth leaders to carry the message of awareness, inclusion, protection, and community responsibility to the grassroots. The Council reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the advocacy and ensuring that conversations around the health, safety, and rights of women and girls remain active within Abeokuta North and beyond.
The programme concluded with a renewed pledge by participants to continue supporting initiatives aimed at protecting the interests of women and girls, promoting reproductive health awareness, and building a society where every girl child can thrive in dignity, safety, and good health.