Mrs. Toyin Oke-Osayintolu, the Permanent Secretary of Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, addressed the dire issue of inadequate access to basic health care services among adolescents and young people in Nigeria. She highlighted these concerns during her keynote address at the 23rd Biennial Conference of the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN) in Lagos.
Under the theme “Investing in Health, Education, and Well-being of Adolescents and Young People,” Oke-Osayintolu emphasized the vulnerability of Nigerian adolescents, facing multifaceted challenges such as poverty, discrimination, violence, abuse, and exploitation. These adversities significantly impact their mental and physical health.
She underscored the commitment of the current Lagos State administration to prioritize youth welfare, evident in initiatives like T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Developmental Agenda focusing on Social Gender Equality and Youth Engagement. According to her, the Ministry of Youth and Social Development continuously facilitates an enabling environment for youths.
Maj.-Gen. Shina Ogunbiyi (Rtd), the conference’s Chairman, urged the association to bolster its efforts by advocating policies that promote general equality, fostering collaboration within the medical community, and providing mentorship and support for female medical professionals.
Dr. Ibironke Sodeinde, the 23rd President of MWAN Lagos Branch for the 2021-2023 Biennium, emphasized the pivotal role of today’s youth as tomorrow’s leaders. She emphasized the biennium’s focus on diversity, inclusive leadership, and rewarding stewardship.
Dr. Sodeinde advocated for a collective investment of skills, resources, resilience, and proactive learning, aligning with the evolving technological landscape to achieve more impactful outcomes. Stressing the need for innovation and adaptation, she urged for proactive actions to foster positive change.
