The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, has called on all stakeholders to prioritize the holistic wellbeing of adolescents, emphasizing that true health goes beyond the absence of disease. He stated this on Monday during the Adolescents and Youth Health Outreach held at the Omolade Okoya Thomas Indoor Sports Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, organized to commemorate the Y2025 International Adolescent Health Week themed “Thriving Inside and Out: Strengthening Adolescent Physical and Mental Health.”

Dr. Ogboye described the event as an important platform to empower young people with knowledge and tools to make informed decisions that would positively shape their future. According to him, adolescence is a defining stage where identities are formed, choices are made, and dreams begin to take shape; a phase that demands strong guidance, compassion, and supportive environments.

He warned that the increasing rates of drug abuse, sexual violence, and other social vices among young people underscored the need for renewed attention to adolescent health and development. “Adolescents need our support. They face pressures from family, school, peers, and the digital world, yet with the right structures, they can thrive,” he stated.

Highlighting that “true health is holistic,” Ogboye stressed the need for a balance between physical and mental wellbeing. “A physically healthy young person struggling silently with depression is not thriving, neither is a confident adolescent whose body suffers from neglect or poor nutrition,” he said, urging parents, teachers, and community leaders to create safe spaces for adolescents to speak freely and seek help when needed.

He advised adolescents to always report cases of abuse, noting that perpetrators are often familiar individuals. He also encouraged them to prioritize mental health by talking to counsellors, health professionals, or trusted adults whenever they feel overwhelmed. On menstrual hygiene, he reminded girls that menstruation is natural and should not be stigmatized, calling on boys to be supportive and respectful.

Dr. Ogboye reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s commitment to adolescent health, promising continuous access to youth-friendly services and mental health helplines. “Let us move from slogans to strategies, and from promises to policies,” he concluded. “When adolescents thrive inside and out, society becomes healthier, stronger, and more hopeful.”

In her remarks, the Director, Family Health and Nutrition, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Folashade Oludara, said the celebration was dedicated to adolescents and youths who represent the future of society. She encouraged them to make wise choices and value the guidance of parents and teachers.

Dr. Oludara stressed that health is not just physical but also emotional and mental, advising participants to engage fully in all activities and take home valuable lessons on hygiene, wellbeing, and healthy living. “We celebrate you because you are the future,” she said. “Stay disciplined, be curious, and never stop learning.”

She added that through education, mentorship, and positive behavior, adolescents could rise above challenges to become responsible and successful adults, making meaningful contributions to their communities.

Similarly, the State Coordinator of The Challenge Initiative (TCI), Dr. Omotunde Odonye, commended the Lagos State Government for organizing the outreach, describing it as a vital step in empowering young people with accurate health information. She explained that both adolescents and youths face unique challenges, making it essential for them to stay informed and make healthy decisions.

Dr. Odonye emphasized that empowerment through knowledge is key to preventing health risks and social challenges among young people. “You are special, capable, and the future truly belongs to you,” she told participants. “Take advantage of today’s lessons to become unstoppable agents of change in your communities.”

Also speaking, the Gender and Reproductive Health Analyst, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Dr. Esther Somefun, lauded Lagos State for its continued partnership with development organizations to improve adolescent and youth health. She described young people as “the change-makers of today” and urged them to believe in themselves and make the right choices.

According to her, UNFPA’s mission is to ensure every adolescent reaches their full potential by having access to accurate information, healthcare, and supportive environments. “When you are healthy in body and mind, you can confidently pursue your dreams and contribute meaningfully to your society,” she stated.

The Head of Gender, Adolescent and School Health Division, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Olasunmbo Ayeni, explained that the outreach was designed to empower young people with vital knowledge on physical and mental health. She urged participants to engage actively with facilitators, ask questions, and use the lessons learned to make informed choices.

Dr. Ayeni noted that students from Eti-Osa, Lagos Island, Apapa, and Surulere LGAs were present, commending them for their enthusiasm and participation. “Remember that your health matters, and the choices you make today shape your tomorrow,” she said.

A teacher from Apapa Senior High School, Mr. Emmanuel Egbehi, praised the Lagos State Government for addressing issues like substance abuse and early sexual activity through early intervention programs. He said these challenges often derail young people from their education and future goals.

Mr. Egbehi emphasized that such programs help adolescents stay focused and avoid destructive habits. “By guiding them early, we are redirecting their energy towards positive goals and shaping a generation of responsible citizens,” he said.

One of the beneficiaries of the outreach, Omofunmi Opemipo, a student of Randle Junior Secondary School, expressed excitement about the lessons learned during the event. She said she was inspired to make informed decisions, speak up against abuse, and support her peers in doing the same.

“I learned that I should not keep quiet when something is wrong,” Omofunmi said. “I now understand that speaking up and seeking help are acts of courage that can save lives.”

The Adolescent and Youth Health Outreach brought together hundreds of students, teachers, and health experts, marking a memorable commemoration of International Adolescent Health Week 2025 in Lagos Central Senatorial District. It reinforced the State Government’s commitment to building a generation of young people who are mentally strong, physically healthy, and emotionally secure — truly thriving inside and out.

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