By Alex Ajayi.
The Olugbemisola Daramola Child Welfare Foundation have trained one thousand five hundred secondary school students in Yagba West Local Government Area, Kogi State, on how to curb the spate of teen pregnancy in the society.
The programme tagged “Girls Day Out” was held in Odo-Ere, Oke-Ere, Egbe, Odo-Eri town in Yagba West Local Government on 2nd- 9th May, and witnessed massive turn out from students across all secondary schools.
The Founder of the Foundation and a Child Coach, Mrs Olugbemisola Osagiede -Daramola, said the program was aimed at curbing the menace of teen pregnancy in the society.
According to her , the programe was more than a workshop but a vibrant and engaging experience creating a safe ,fun space where girls can express themselves freely,connect with peers, and leave empowered.
Daramola tasked the students to believe and prioritize self esteem, rather than being intimidated by their background.
She encouraged them not to trade their worth for penny or any kind of juicy offer from opposite sex.
“Never allow your background to make you feel worthless. You are a gold with a very bright future.
“Always prioritize your self worth and never feel out of place to be proud of yourself. Don’t give out your body because of phone or material things.
“All girl child must have it at the back of their mind that better future lies ahead. Your destiny is in your hand and not with anybody,” she echoed.
The coach also advised the girls to be discipline, hardworking and see themselves as emerging nation who is created in God’s image.
She urged parents to always be watchful and make it a duty to instill discipline into their children from early age.
Mrs Daramola said most parents ignore the basics and over pampered their children in the name of love .
“Parents are the primary care giver and the first wall of defence for children. Always be there and correct your child when they go wrong.
“Never tolerate indiscipline. Talk about sex with your girl child a d never feel why to educate them,” she said.
The expert, however called on parents to always provide for their children and stop ignoring their demands every time.
She said girl childs need attention and should not be pushing away to source for their own need at early age.
“When you push them away and fail to provide their needs ,they may desperately seek alternative elsewhere which may lead to unwanted pregnancy.
“Teenage pregnancy may ruin their special future if not properly managed. It will halt their education, halt their career pursuit and may discourage some of them,” she said.
The Theme of the maiden training is: ‘Combating The Spate of Teen Pregnancy in the Society’, and was attended by students of Okutadudu High School ,Odo-Ere, United Secondary School (Gbaraga), Odo-Ere, Titcombe College, Egbe, UBE Secondary School, Odo-Ere, Okoto Community Grammar School and other schools in Yagba West axis.
