The Rivers State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving adolescent health and ensuring equitable access to healthcare, education, protection and skills development for young people across the state.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Vincent Wachukwu, gave the assurance in Port Harcourt during activities marking the 2026 International Adolescent Health Week.
Speaking on the theme, “Nothing About Us, Without Us: Power, Voice and Health Equity for All Adolescents,” Wachukwu described adolescence as a critical stage of human development, noting that experiences and choices during the period could significantly influence individuals’ well-being throughout their lives.
He stressed the importance of providing adolescents with accurate health information, quality healthcare, education, protection and opportunities to develop their potential.
Wachukwu said the state government, through the Ministry of Health, the Adolescent Health and Development Programme and development partners, was implementing initiatives to improve young people’s health and safeguard their rights.
He also highlighted efforts to prevent sexual and gender-based violence through public awareness campaigns and stronger protection for girls against abuse, exploitation and harassment.
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In his keynote address, the Permanent Secretary disclosed that more than 60 health facilities had been activated to provide Adolescent and Youth-Friendly Health Services following the training of healthcare workers to deliver appropriate and respectful care to young people.
He further identified the Adolescent Innovative Hub in Fimie, Port Harcourt Local Government Area, as one of the initiatives designed to equip adolescents, particularly girls, with vocational, digital and entrepreneurial skills.
According to him, the hub provides training in web design, fashion and garment making, hairdressing, catering and food technology, photography and videography, and make-up artistry, among other skills aimed at promoting self-reliance and economic independence.
Earlier, representatives of the Rivers State Ministry of Youth Development, the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN) and the World Health Organization (WHO) called for stronger action against child marriage and violence targeting young people.
They emphasised the need to protect the rights of the girl child and safeguard adolescents’ health, education, dignity and prospects.
The representatives noted that child marriage often disrupts girls’ education, increases their exposure to early pregnancy and childbirth-related health complications, and heightens their vulnerability to abuse, poverty and gender-based violence.
They urged government agencies, development partners and other stakeholders to strengthen collaboration and expand interventions that promote adolescent health, protect young people’s rights and ensure their meaningful participation in decisions affecting their lives.
