Issues
Who Takes Blame For Teenage Pregnancy?
By most accounts, teenage pregnancy is steadily on the increase in the country and concerned citizens describe the phenomenon as a raging torrent fast consuming many lives, either through unsafe abortions or via other risks associated with teenage pregnancy.
No doubt, the social challenge is afflicting homes of the high and low; just as a controversy rages over who takes the blame – the parents or the children!
Dr Benedicta Korubo of St. Patrick’s Hospital in Port Harcourt confirmed the increasing menace of teenage pregnancy in the country and blames it squarely on the parents.
“The chances of mother and child dying in such conditions are high, particularly in the rural areas, because of obstructed and prolonged labour,’’ she said.
Observers, however, note that it is commonplace to find many pregnant teenagers in several neighbourhoods nowadays, adding that teenage pregnancy has provoked crises in some homes, as fathers and mothers usually trade blames over the plight of the hapless children.
They stress that efforts to tackle the growing menace of teenage pregnancy, among others, ought to occupy the centre stage every year when the Children’s Day is celebrated on May 27.
It is, perhaps, the acknowledgment of such a point of view that compelled the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) to make a radical departure from its annual ritual of celebrating the Children’s Day.
This year, FIDA organised a series of debate on the rising menace of teenage pregnancy among secondary school students and the grand finale of the debate was held in Port Harcourt on May 27.
The thrust of the debate was to sensitise young girls, in particular, to the dangers inherent in promiscuity, which include health risks and abrupt truncation of their educational careers, both having serious socio-economic consequences.
Justice E. Thompson, a High Court judge in Rivers State; Mrs Ime Aguma, a former commissioner in the state, and Mrs Joy Bob-Manuel, the Director-General of Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, are some of the dignitaries who attended the occasion.
At the event, the speakers took time, in turn, to educate the young girls on the consequences of teenage pregnancy, while their male counterparts were also sensitised to the consequences of early fatherhood.
The subject of the debate — “Teenage pregnancy: Who takes the blame” — was considered to be very apt by many observers.
Korubo, the lead speaker, argued that “parents should be held responsible for the increasing rate of teenage pregnancy”.
She claimed that the reckless search for money had compelled many parents to abandon their responsibilities to their children, leaving the children at the mercy of society’s “wolves”, who polluted them with perverted values that undermined their self-worth and education.
“Unfortunately, child upbringing cannot be contracted out to a consultant or contractor as many parents are inclined to doing. Good parenting invariably saves parents a lot of problems, including death on the long run,” she said.
Korubo explained that factors such as good nutrition and rapid growth in the children of the present age had induced some emerging challenges such as early menstruation in girls.
She also attributed teenage pregnancies to abject poverty in some homes, where female children, in their desperate yearning to satisfy certain needs, became vulnerable to the social malady.
“Girls from poor homes are more prone to sleeping around for monetary gains and that raises the probability of their getting pregnant in the process,” she said, adding that greed was also a factor, as people could still maintain their dignity in the midst of poverty.
But Mr Emmanuel Ajeh, a Port Harcourt-based book seller, disagreed with Korubo’s position, arguing that nobody, in particular, could be solely blamed for the rapidly increasing teenage pregnancies in Nigeria.
He, however, admitted that it was really difficult for parents, who left home early and came back very late, to properly monitor the upbringing of their children, particularly the girls.
Ajeh conceded that the “home-based” nature of his business had somewhat enabled him to know and understand the “going out and coming in” of his children.
He, nonetheless, noted that some children’s upbringing still posed serious problems despite close monitoring by their parents.
“Even if you lock some girls up in boxes, they will still go out,” Ajeh said, while agreeing with Korubo that efforts should be made to provide proper sex education for the girl-child in particular.
Mrs Lydia Nwoko, a business woman and a mother of four, argued that parents should not be solely blamed for the social problem.
“Child upbringing remains a collective responsibility of parents, schools’ administrators, girls themselves and the success of the whole exercise largely depends on God’s mercy,’’ she said.
However, Nwoko noted that some parents were very careless about the moral training of their children, adding that many parents, especially those in the rural areas, never bothered about the movements of their children and the kind of friends they kept.
She said that although some fathers were always prepared to train, correct and discipline their children, the mothers often resisted their moves, calling such fathers “wicked’’ men.
A 16-year-old secondary school student, who simply gave her name as Christiana, stressed that some parents should be held accountable for the rising menace of teenage pregnancies.
She said that some parents refused to take a good care of their female children, thus making them vulnerable to the plots of some devious men.
Christiana, however, admitted that some girls were very wayward and could hardly control their libido, adding that no amount of care and monitoring can ever bridle such girls.
On her part, Justice Thompson advised students against engaging in pre-marital sex, to avoid early pregnancy and abortion which, she added, amounted to a crime, as it was outlawed.
She, however, insisted that teenage girls had some rights as bona-fide Nigerian citizens, adding that such rights included their right to life, food and nutrition, dignity, clothing, movement, property and education, among others.
Thompson, however, noted that since Nigeria was not in the “Western world”, the girls’ rights and privileges were not without cognate responsibilities and duties to their parents and the country.
Mrs. Joy Bob-Manuel, the Director-General of Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, warned secondary school students to refrain from watching pornographic videos and reading similar literature.
Represented by Mrs Jane Bianeyio, an official of the council, Bob-Manuel also warned the students, especially the females, to shun early sex, so as to prevent teenage pregnancy.
She expatiated that the burdens and risks associated with teenage pregnancy were too excruciating to bear.
Bob-Manuel stressed that adolescents should face their studies squarely and refrain from becoming “smart boys and smart girls”, who ended up as school dropouts.
Mrs Ime Aguma, who chaired the debate, commended the students of Rivers State for their academic prowess which was exemplified by their good language and official records.
She stressed that with the passage and domestication of the Child Rights Act, the sky was the limit for any serious student
Mrs. Eucharia Pepple, the chairperson FIDA in the state, said that the debate was organised to sensitise the students to the dangers of teenage pregnancy, while encouraging the promotion of the reading culture among the students and Nigerians in general.
Pepple urged the students to take their studies seriously, so as to pass their examinations and expand their academic horizon.
Observers commend FIDA for its trail-blazing efforts in promoting community participation in the fight against violence against women and children in the society.
Nzemeke writes for News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
Richards Nzemeke
In 2015, I made a conscious decision to invest my financial resources, my time, and energy into supporting Nyesom Wike’s gubernatorial campaign. I poured my heart and soul into ensuring Nyesom Wike emerged victorious even at the risk of my personal safety.
Again in 2019, I doubled down on my commitment. I invested a significant amount of money to procure campaign outfits for all twenty-three Local Governments Areas of Rivers State. I spared no expense in supplementing Wike’s election efforts in my own local government, and once again putting myself at great risk to safeguard the fairness and transparency of the electoral process.
However, despite my unwavering loyalty and sacrifices, I found myself abandoned and forgotten by Wike. Throughout his eight-year tenure, he failed to acknowledge my contributions or fulfill his promises and agreements. Even as a former Deputy Governor, Wike denied me my severance benefit.
My investment in Wike’s governorship was not just financial – it was a commitment of passion, dedication, and belief in a better future for Rivers State. Yet, his leadership style of dishonesty, greed, drunkenness and rash abuse of senior citizens brought me nothing but disappointment, misery and losses.
By the grace of God, today I speak not as a victim, but as a hero. I have accepted my losses, and I have moved on. And as I reflect on my experience, I cannot help but urge Wike to do the same and allow peace and development to reign in Rivers State.
Nyesom Wike, when you speak of investing in Governor Sim Fubara’s election, remember those like me who also invested in you. Remember the sacrifices I made, the risks I took, and the promises and agreements you left unfulfilled.
It is time for you, Wike, to let go of the past and allow Governor Sim Fubara the breathing space he needs to lead Rivers State forward. Allow him to focus on the challenges of good governance and the aspirations of the people. Spare him these unwarranted and ill-conceived political manoeuvrings founded on personal agenda and not for general good of Rivers State and her people.
I may have lost my investment on Wike, but I have not lost hope in the future of Rivers State. And together, we will continue to strive for a brighter tomorrow.
Long Live the Governor to Rivers State, Sir Siminialayi Fubara!
Long Live the Good People of Rivers State!!
Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!!!
Engr Ikuru is former Deputy Governor of Rivers State.
Tele Ikuru
The man Tony Okocha, the devastated tattered ragtag remnant Rivers APC factional, but Caretaker, Chairman, is known for being notoriously a hireling willing to play in the mud just for the pay or settlement. To Rt Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, he did against Chief Nyesom Wike. To Senator Magnus Abe, he did against Rotimi Amaechi. To Chief Nyesom Wike, he did against Magnus Abe. Having maintained such unbefitting character trait, it is not surprising to see him at his demeaned best showing off his tainted skill of grandstanding and loquaciously struggling fruitlessly almost every day to castigate the popular Rivers people’s Governor with very glaring false, bogus and unsubstantiated claims such as:
1. That Governor Fubara is wasting state fund in the name of thanksgiving across 23 Local Government Areas.
2. That Governor Fubara has withheld Local Government funds.
3. That Governor Fubara runs the government without input from the State Executive Council.
4. That nothing is happening in the State with respect to governance.
To the above false claims of Tony Okocha, every reasonable, right thinking and well-meaning Rivers person would effortlessly puncture all as rascality and mendacity taken too far.
Apart from the fact that Governor Siminalayi Fubara had said he is not sponsoring the massive SIMplified Movement Thanksgiving events across the Local Government Areas of the State being organised by elated Rivers people who feel liberated from an era of overbearing and suppressive form of leadership in the State, Tony Okocha should be asked to prove his false claim with indisputable facts and figures. Until then, let Tony Okocha respect himself and learn to keep quiet as an elderly person who is saddled with such a responsible position as Rivers State Representative in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Board. A position that places a huge responsibility on him to ensure that the core objectives of the commission are actualised in the State, by not only ensuring that Rivers State gets its fair share of its dues in terms of projects, programmes and activities, but by synergising with the state government on development matters concerning the state vis-a-vis the responsibilities of NDDC to the State. In summary, the SIMplified Movement is all about a happy and joyful people of Rivers State who have decided to stand and stick together to defend and uphold their common heritage and patrimony. It is a voluntary venture, not sponsored by the government.
To his claim that the Governor has withheld Local Government funds, Mr Tony Okocha should also be asked to prove that with facts and figures and explain why the Governor would do such. More so, what is Tony Okocha’s business, assuming, but not conceding, that a PDP Governor withholds money against PDP-led 23 Local Government authorities? Did Local Government workers across the state complain to Okocha, the meddlesome hireling, an acclaimed APC Caretaker Committee Chairman in Rivers State?
On his ignorant and false claim that the Governor runs the government without input from the state exco, Okocha, the busybody wannabe should explain how he was employed or engaged as the spokesperson of members of the Rivers State Executive Council. He should also tell us his source of information to that effect, if it is not just a proof that he is making himself known as a perpetually irredeemable hireling notoriously good for playing the spoiler’s role.
On Mr Okocha’s assertion, probably, borne out of lack of more convincing lies, that nothing is happening in the State with respect to governance, is sure a proof that the man is only acting a bad and an unsellable script to justify the reward of expected gratifying filthy lucre, which is the compelling reason for condescending so low and evilly so. How else is governance measured, if not by executing meaningful and impactful projects, giving hope, inspiring and putting smiles on the faces of the people with joy of fulfilment in their hearts, both civil servants and everyone living and doing business in the State? Is Okocha blind to see and deaf to hear of the good works of the Governor Fubara led Rivers State Government? Civil servants are happy, teachers are highly elated. Several projects are ongoing. Investors are trooping in. The health sector, education, agriculture, sports have been highly boosted under Governor Fubara-led administration. To Okocha, there’s no governance in the State because patronage of free money is not getting to him from the Governor but from other sources that are likely against the Governor.
Let Tony Okocha weep more. Rivers State is breathing fresh air already and is liberated.
Let Tony Okocha tell us how he has, so far, as Rivers State Representative in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), clearly effected development in the State through the NDDC, and why he lied that there was Cholera outbreak with deaths recorded in Soku in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area with the intent of raking in about ¦ N5billion for non-existent mitigation programmes?
Odike is Special Assistant to Rivers State Governor on Social/New Media .
Bernard C. Idike
Franklin Delano Roosevelt, commonly known as FDR, was an American statesman and politician who served as the 32nd President of the United States from 1933 until his death in 1945. He was a member of the Democratic Party and is the only United States President to have served more than two terms.
In one of his popular quotes, he said, “The creed of our democracy is that liberty is acquired and kept by men and women who are strong and self-reliant, and possessed of such wisdom as God gives mankind – men and women who are just, and understanding, and generous to others — men and women who are capable of disciplining themselves. For they are the rulers and they must rule themselves.”
This explains the recent gathering of creme la creme of Asari-Toru political gladiators converged at the inauguration of the Simplified Movement, ASALGA chapter to reiterate their unflinching support for the Rivers State Governor, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara whose mantra revolves around liberation.
The event which took place at the Autograph in Port Harcourt on the 1st of March, 2024, to galvanise strong support for Governor Fubara attracted over 500 members of the Simplified Movement from the Asari-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The gathering of supporters of Governor Fubara’s government, under the umbrella of the Simplified Movement, the ASALGA chapter led by an astute politician, former member of the Federal House of Representatives and two- time member of the Rivers State Executive Council as Commissioner, Chief Hon. Paworiso Samuel Horsfall comprised both the old and young generation political helmsmen drawn from all the 13 Wards of the local government area.
The nerve-““““““wracking gathering had the likes of the 1999 democratic system pioneer Chairman of Asari-Toru Local Government Council and former two-time Special Adviser to ex-Governor Nyesom Wike, Hon. Opakirite Mackson Jackreece; former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Adokiye Young-Harry; former member of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Daisy West and former Special Adviser to ex-Governor Nyesom Wike, Chief Hon. Iboroma Norman Wokoma.
Others were the incumbent Vice Chairman of Asari-Toru Local Government Council, Hon. (Mrs.) Tekena Wokoma; former Commissioner of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, Hon. Dr. Hope Barango; the South-West Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Sule Amachree and the Secretary of the Local Government chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Cladious Princewill; former Chief of Staff of Council, Hon. Ajumogobia West and former Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ASALGA, Hon. Onari Awo Tariah.
Also present at the event were past caretaker committee chairmen of the Local Government Council including, Hon. Waite Harry, Hon. Dawari Hamilton Ibinabo, Hon. Wright Warmate and former Deputy Mayor of the Port Harcourt City Council, Hon. Adokiye Horsfall amongst others. My humble self belongs to the movement. The list is inexhaustible.
Speaking at the inauguration, the member representing Asari-Toru/Akuku-Toru Federal Constituency and leader of the Asari-Toru political family, Hon. Boma Goodhead assured the people of the commitment of the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara to extend visible dividends of democracy to the people of ASALGA.
The federal lawmaker who spoke through her representative, Dr. Sule Amachree, said Governor Fubara means well for Rivers people, particularly the people of ASALGA and urged them to remain calm, peaceful and resolute in their support to the administration of the State Governor.
“His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara is the Governor ordained by God to liberate Rivers people from the snares of poverty and oppression. He is God-sent to bring visible and even development to Rivers State and Asari-Toru people are on the top of that agenda of development,” she said.
Hon. Goodhead reiterated her confidence in the capacity of the leader of the Simplified Movement, ASALGA chapter, Chief Hon. Paworiso Samuel Horsfall to mobilise massive support and a huge source of encouragement for the Government of Sir Siminalayi Fubara to succeed.
“I urge you to continue to stand firm with our Governor. Be rest assured that His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara is a man of peace, focused and determined to deliver on the mandate given to him by the people of Rivers State. He will not fail you,” she said.
In his speech, the leader of the ASALGA chapter of the Simplified Movement, Chief Hon. Paworiso Samuel Horsfall described the movement as a child of necessity born out of the hunger of Rivers people for a paradigm shift from oppression to liberation.
“As witnessed across the length and breadth of Rivers State, the Simplified Movement is a child of necessity, born out of the hunger for a paradigm shift from oppression to liberation, with one core objective to promote and defend the interests of Rivers State and her people. It is on this account, we stand as dependable allies giving strong support to the Executive Governor, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara in his pursuit of peace and commitment to the genuine development of Rivers State.
“It is our position that with the elections come and gone, it is practically a time to face governance and to ensure deliverables of dividends to the people of Rivers State in the atmosphere of peace, security and stability,” he said.
Chief Samuel Horsfall explained that Rivers people saw the leadership qualities needed to achieve the sole objective to genuinely defend and promote the interest of the State in Governor Fubara, hence the spontaneous massive support expressed in the birth of the Simplified Movement.
He recounted avalanche of achievements made by Governor Fubara within six months in office. “We appreciate the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara for his resilience and determination to make a difference. It is on record and attestable by all, the numerous projects being executed by his administration.
“Such as the ongoing construction of the gigantic Port Harcourt Ring Road project, the 20,000 housing units for low income earners, the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo-Nkoro Unity road, the near completion of the 10km Old Port Harcourt-Bori road, the Emohua-Kalabari road, the 6.5km Woji-Alesa-Refinery link road and the inclusion of the remaining part of the Trans-Kalabari road project in the 2024 budget. “Moreover, the promotion of the State civil servants, first time in history payment of N100,000.00 Christmas bonus to civil servants across board, approval of promotions and implementation of N30,000.00 minimum wage for local government workers and the N4 billion single digit interest loans facility for Small and Medium Scale business operators in Rivers State. All these achievements within six months in office are eloquent testimonies of Governor Fubara to deliberately improve the welfare of Rivers people.
“We are convinced that such a proven great mind and well experienced, tested and trusted administrator/technocrat, Governor Fubara has demonstrated the capacity to deliver effectively the needed democratic dividends to Rivers people. It is on this convention we are gathered here for the umpteenth time to reaffirm our unalloyed support and commitment to his administration,” Chief Samuel Horsfall declared.
He disclosed that the gathering was to put in place citizens mobilisation strategy to forge a collaborative bond with the Governor to foster partnership for the development of ASALGA and the State. He, therefore, advised those he called detractors of Governor Fubara’s administration to desist forthwith and allow the Governor to remain focused in his quest to deliver on his mandate.
“All detractors should desist from further attacks on the Governor and the Chief of Staff, Government House, Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie and allow the Governor to focus on the delivery of the good policies and programmes to Rivers people. We unequivocally condemn attempts by disgruntled Abuja politicians to employ intimidation antics against the former Speaker of the 10th State Assembly and current Chief of Staff, Government House, Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie and others who are standing on the path of justice and good conscience for the collective good of Rivers State.
“We equally urge the Nigerian Police and other security agencies to be discreet in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities in the State and not to allow themselves to be used by selfish individuals who do not mean well to fuel political crisis in Rivers State.
Chief Samuel Horsfall also commended the federal lawmaker, Hon. Boma Goodhead for her doggedness and resilience in supporting Governor Fubara since the wake of the political crisis in the State.
Several other personalities spoke to express their support to the State Governor and urged the people to ASALGA to maintain their peaceful disposition and remain steadfast in the Simplified Movement to give the state government maximum support to continue to render good governance to Rivers people.
Highlights of the event were the inauguration of the elders and stakeholders of the Simplified Movement for the 13 Wards as well as the executive committee of the movement in Asari-Toru Local Government Area.
Amieyeofori Ibim
-
Maritime2 days agoNavy Nabs 75 Stowaway Suspects In Eight Months
-
News2 days agoNLC Demands Creation Of State, LG Police
-
Editorial2 days ago
For Peace In The M’East
-
News2 days agoWomen Play Important Roles In Development Of The Society -Odu
-
Sports2 days ago
Nigeria’s Onakoya Sets New Chess Record
-
Niger Delta2 days agoA’Ibom Plans 486 Rural Road Repairs To Boost Agric
-
Maritime2 days agoNigeria Records 3,310 Boat Mishaps In 10 Years
-
News2 days agoEFCC, Experts Warn Nigerians To Guard Against Cyber Crimes