The Ondo State Government has taken steps to educate pupils on their sexual rights, warning them against sexual abuse and encouraging them to report such incidents, in a programme themed ‘Positive Relationship: My body, my rights, my sexual health’.
Ondo State Ministry of Health, Dr Adeniran Ikuomola “expressed deep concern about the escalating number of reported rape cases involving young individuals, which is further compounded by the likelihood of numerous unreported incidents within the communities. Moreover, the rising trend of adolescent prostitution among young people is particularly alarming, underscoring the imperative need for targeted educational interventions to empower and protect this vulnerable demographic.”
“He pointed out that the current statistics on sexual health abuse among adolescents are alarming, with a notable surge in cases, particularly in urban areas. Specifically, he highlighted the growing trend of adolescent prostitution and the increasing number of reported rape cases among young people. However, he emphasized that these numbers only scratch the surface, as many cases go unreported due to community pressure to resolve issues amicably or the stigma surrounding these topics, which prevents victims from speaking out.”
“What we are trying to do is to let the children themselves know that they have a right to their body and that there is a way that they can avoid and prevent sexual coercion. We also want to let them understand that the body that they have must also be in a state of well-being for them to be able to function well in their academics and all their endeavours.
“As young people, they have the right to dream, but they can only fulfil those dreams if they achieve sexual-emotional balance. Their body is their right and they need to maintain the body and keep that body in health for them to be able to achieve whatever they want to achieve in life.”
The PS also charged the pupils to speak out and report anybody who abuses or attempts to abuse them sexually to the appropriate authorities in the state government.
In her remarks, the Special Adviser Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Gender Matters, Mrs Olamide Falana, encouraged the children to maintain positive relationships and do away with friends that can lure them towards social vices.
“Today we told our young people that as future leaders, it is important for them to maintain positive relationships by doing away from negative friends who may lure them towards vices. That’s why I commend the Ministry of Health for bringing up this programme to help educate these young ones who are the leaders of tomorrow.
“The state has a child rights law that is in place; we also have violence against person provision law; these are laws that are there to ensure and to protect the rights of children and also their protection from all forms of violence and discrimination in the state.
It was reported that sexual rights violations refer to the infringement of individuals’ fundamental rights related to their sexual autonomy, expression, and health.
They are integral to human rights, and violations of these rights often result in physical, psychological, and emotional harm. Addressing these violations requires legal protections, cultural shifts, and comprehensive education on sexual and reproductive rights.
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