Panelists making their points at the LASU’s event by Vision Spring Initiatives.
Nigerians, especially parents, guardians, teachers, and religious leaders have been urged to be more observant, available, and receptive to their children, wards, and younger people around them.
That way, their rights, especially reproductive rights will be respected and protected.
This was the joint agreement by panelists at the screening of the documentary titled: ‘Breaking the Silence,’ that held at Lagos State University (LASU) recently.
The documentary was put together by a non-governmental organisation (NGO), Vision Spring Initiatives.
The panelists included Hajia Sekinah Temitope Lawal, National Secretary, Network of Reproductive Health Journalists of Nigeria (NRHJN), Madam Ngozi Nwosu-Juba, Project Director, Vision Spring Initiatives, Barrister Chizelu Emejulu; Executive Director, Minority Watch and Titilopemi Oriye, VSI’s Program Manager who served as the Panel Moderator.
According to Hajia Lawal, National Secretary, Network of Reproductive Health Journalists of Nigeria (NRHJN), custodians of younger people should create enabling environment that will always make children open up, on any issue.
‘Intentionally creating trust and assurance for these young minds cannot be under played. Once the trust is there, they can easily confide in parents and custodians, their challenges, and fears, and in turn, the elders can give needed support. Nothing should be too shameful to be discussed,” she added.
Madam Nwosu-Juba threw more light on the event.
According to her, the screening centres on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and the protection of the reproductive health of women and girls in Nigeria.
“The event convened students, lecturers, policymakers, and school administrators to foster meaningful dialogue around bodily autonomy, consent, access to youth-friendly services, stigma, and institutional responsibility. The documentary serves as an advocacy and awareness tool. And these panelists have underpinned deeper reflection and solution-oriented conversations.
Cross section of students at the programme.
Barrister Emejulu pointed out that no one should hesitate to contact the right channel to get justice on any issue that affects a minor, or if you have any questions or need further information. Everyone should watch ‘Breaking the Silence” as it is loaded with information that addresses germane everyday questions, that agitate younger people’s minds.”