The Niger State Government has called for stronger collaboration among governments, development partners, educators, and parents to ensure the effective implementation of adolescent and mental health policies across Nigeria.
The appeal was made by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Primary Health Care, Dr Mohammed Gana, after a health awareness road walk to mark the 2025 International Adolescents Health Week in Minna, the state capital.
The event, organised in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, had as its theme “Thriving Inside And Out: Strengthening Physical And Mental Health.”
Represented by the Deputy Director, Community Health Department, Fatima Gogo Muhammad, Dr Gana highlighted the importance of adolescent-friendly health services and urged all stakeholders to create environments where young people can access care without stigma or discrimination.
“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,” he said.
Dr Gana further called for efforts to ensure equitable access to healthcare and employment opportunities for young people, noting that adolescent health is a critical component of Nigeria’s overall development agenda.
Also speaking, the Adolescent Youth Coordinator, Fatima Ahmed, described adolescence as a transformative yet vulnerable stage that requires targeted interventions to promote physical and mental well-being.
She reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to expanding youth-friendly health centres, particularly in rural and hard-to-reach communities, to bridge gaps in access and awareness.
In their separate remarks, representatives of UNICEF and WHO restated their commitment to improving adolescent health outcomes in Niger State. The team also visited the Government Day Science College, Tunga, Minna, where they sensitised students on reproductive health, emotional wellness, and the importance of seeking help early.
The event concluded with a renewed pledge to integrate mental health education into community and school health programmes, ensuring that adolescents thrive “inside and out.”
