By Sani Adamu Hassan
A non-governmental organizations, Leadtots Development Initiative and Women Child Youth Health and Education Initiative (WCY), have organized a one day media engagement to strengthen their efforts of Journalists in reporting on Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health (ASRH).
The engagement with the theme : Amplify the message, educate, inform and inspire action on sexual and reproductive health held at NUJ Conference hall in Bauchi brought about 20 Journalists from various media organisations organized by Women, Child, Youths Health and Education Initiative WCY in Collaboration with Leadtots Development Initiative with funding from global Affairs Canada through PLAN International Nigeria.
Speaking at the engagement, Mr Nicholas Oshojah Afeso the Executive Director, LEADTOTS Development Initiative emphasized the vital role of the media as the watchdog of society.
He highlighted that journalists have the capacity to inform, advocate, and educate the public on critical ASRH issues, thereby influencing policies and driving positive societal change, while calling on media professionals to leverage their platforms in advancing the ASRH discourse.
In his presentation, a facilitator of the Programme from WCY Kamal Ali Bello explained that the aim of the project is to improve access to sexual and reproductive health education for adolescent girls, young women and vulnerable groups in Bauchi State.
He also highlighted some LEADTOTS Development Initiative activities which include, strengthening sick-Bays in schools, providing Pad Banks for Formal and non-Formal schools, establishing
disposable pad incubation centers in the Three Senatorial zones of Bauchi State.
Others are, strengthening learning centers for pregnant adolescents and young women, free medical services for indigent adolescents among many others.
Kamal Bello therefore commended the State Government for considering
the violence against person’s prohibition VAPP law and child protection law.
In their Goodwill messages, the Chairman Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ Bauchi Comrade Umar Said, and the NAWOJ Chairperson Rashida Yusuf both reiterates the need for responsible and ethical journalism in tackling misinformation and promoting inclusive conversations around reproductive health issues affecting young people.
