The Niger State Government has called for collaboration among governments, development partners, educators, and parents to ensure the effective implementation of adolescent and mental health policies across the country.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Primary Health Care, Dr Mohammed Gana, made the call after a road walk to mark the 2025 International Adolescents Health Week, organised by the Ministry in partnership with WHO and UNICEF in Minna, the state capital.
He also stressed the need to prioritise adolescent-friendly health services to ensure equitable access to care and employment opportunities for young people.
Dr Gana, represented by the Deputy Director of the Community Health Department, Fatima Gogo Muhammad, explained that the event, with the theme “Thriving Inside And Out: Strengthening Physical And Mental Health”, was aimed at educating adolescents on reproductive health, personal responsibility, and the importance of accessing available healthcare services in their communities.
According to him, “The 2025 International Adolescents Health Week is an opportunity to spotlight the challenges facing adolescents and create safe spaces where they can speak freely, seek help, and receive tailored health support from trained professionals.”
The Adolescent Youth Coordinator, Fatima Ahmed, emphasised that adolescence is a critical phase marked by both potential and vulnerability, requiring targeted interventions.
Ahmed reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to expanding youth-friendly health services, especially in hard-to-reach areas.
UNICEF, WHO, and other stakeholders also reiterated their commitment to improving adolescents’ well-being and access to quality physical and mental health services in the state, with a visit to the Government Day Science College, Tunga, Minna, where they sensitised and advised students to prioritise mental health as part of lifelong healthy habits.
