Stakeholders across South-West Nigeria have urged for immediate and proactive measures to combat the rising cases of teenage pregnancy and child marriage in the region.

The call was made during a regional summit organized by the New Generation Girls and Women Development Initiative (NIGAWD) in Ibadan, which brought together government officials, health experts, and civil society organizations.

Mrs. Toyin Balogun, Oyo State Commissioner for Women Affairs, revealed that the state has criminalized child marriage with severe penalties for offenders. She emphasized that the government is actively working to reduce the high number of out-of-school children, which is often linked to early marriage and pregnancy.

Representing the wife of Ekiti State Governor, Commissioner for Women Affairs Mrs. Peju Babafemi highlighted various initiatives implemented by the state government, including 'Adire Ekiti' and programs aimed at re-enrolling out-of-school children.

"Child education is a top priority for the Ekiti State government. We are committed to engaging the girl-child and rehabilitating them to realize their dreams," Babafemi stated.

Mrs. Yewande Adesua, Social Director of AGILE, representing the Ekiti State Commissioner for Education, acknowledged that Ekiti has the highest rate of teenage pregnancy among South-West states but assured that the current administration is working diligently to change this narrative.

In her address, Abimbola Aladejare-Salako, Executive Director of NIGAWD, expressed concern over the alarming rates of child marriage and teenage pregnancy in the region. She emphasized that these issues have prevented many young girls from achieving their potential and called for strategic interventions.

"There should be constant advocacy and community engagement to enlighten young girls on the dangers of early marriage and teenage pregnancy," Aladejare-Salako recommended.

Delivering the keynote address, Emeritus Professor of Gynecology, Oladosu Ojengbede, presented sobering statistics, noting that over 22 million young women were married before turning 18, with many consequently dropping out of school.

Professor Ojengbede identified poverty, peer pressure, and lack of sexual education as major factors contributing to teenage pregnancy and child marriage. "Pregnancy should not erase the potentials of young girls," he emphasized.

The professor proposed several solutions, including community empowerment, increased budgetary allocation for girl-child programs, comprehensive sexual education for both genders, and strict enforcement of laws protecting the rights of the girl-child.

The summit concluded with participants unanimously agreeing on the need for collaborative efforts between government agencies, civil society organizations, and communities to effectively address these challenges and secure a better future for young girls in South-West Nigeria.