The Ekiti State Government has commenced activities for the 2026 International Adolescent Health Week, with a call for greater involvement of young people in decisions affecting their health and well-being.
The event began with a press conference on Monday, October 12, at the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre Data Bank Hall, State Secretariat, Ado-Ekiti, addressed by the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Oyebanji Filani.
Speaking on the theme, “Nothing About Us Without Us: Power, Voice, and Health Equity for All Adolescents,” Filani described adolescence as a critical stage of human development, during which physical, emotional and social changes shape young people’s future health and well-being.
He stressed that adolescents should not merely benefit from government health programmes but must also be actively involved in designing and implementing policies that affect them.
The commissioner said the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji remained committed to ensuring that every adolescent in the state had access to quality, affordable and confidential healthcare services, irrespective of background or location.
According to him, the state government is adopting an adolescent-friendly approach that encourages young people to express their concerns freely without fear of discrimination, judgment or neglect.
He added that the Ministry of Health and Human Services regularly conducts community outreach programmes, particularly in rural areas, to provide health information and improve access to essential services.
Highlighting some of the initiatives already implemented, Filani listed Safe Space programmes for public secondary school students using a peer-to-peer model, training for school guidance counsellors and community-based health awareness campaigns.
He also urged parents and guardians to strengthen communication with their children, listen to their concerns and create supportive home environments where adolescents could freely ask questions about their health.
Also speaking, the Director of GoldHeart Foundation described adolescence as a crucial phase of human development, emphasising the need for stakeholders to promote young people’s leadership and prioritise their overall health and well-being.
She called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, development partners, families and communities to ensure that adolescents’ voices were heard and their health needs adequately addressed.
One of the adolescents present, Akintimilehin Toluwalase, commended the Ekiti State Government for the initiative, describing it as timely.
She said the programme would strengthen engagement between young people and the government while creating opportunities for increased support and attention to adolescent health concerns.
Activities scheduled for the week include a health symposium and policy roundtable, radio and television programmes, medical outreaches, webinars, and competitions in debates, writing and arts for adolescents.
Filani urged all stakeholders to translate the celebration into concrete action by listening to young people and involving them in decisions concerning their health.
He maintained that investing in adolescent health was essential to building a healthier population and securing the future of Ekiti State.
