By Precious Owolabi, Ado-Ekiti
The Ekiti State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to creating more opportunities that will promote youth empowerment, health awareness and capacity building among youths across the state.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth Development, Mrs. Olusola Adeluyi-Femi, stated this during a sensitisation programme held to mark the International Adolescent Health Week organised by the Ministry of Health in Ado-Ekiti.
Mrs. Adeluyi-Femi emphasised the government’s continuous effort to nurture a generation of health-informed and technologically empowered young people who can contribute meaningfully to the development of the state and the nation at large.
She noted that adolescent health plays a vital role in promoting the physical, mental and social well-being of young people, describing the youth as the driving force behind the nation’s future.
According to her, the introduction of ICT training is a strategic initiative aimed at equipping young people with essential digital skills to thrive in today’s knowledge-driven world adding that in this era of information and technology, no investment yields a higher return than empowering the youth with relevant skills and healthy living habits.
The Permanent Secretary appreciated the organisers, facilitators and participants of the programme for their dedication and contribution to youth development in the state.
Earlier, the guest speaker, Dr. Olumide Obe, addressed the pioneer trainees on the importance of using technology responsibly during adolescence.
Dr Obe who is also the Director, Hospital Services and Training in the State Ministry of Health and Human Services described technology as a vital tool in the modern world that can help young people access information, develop critical skills and make productive use of their time through digital learning and innovation.
Also speaking, Mrs Tolulope Adewemimo, the State Adolescent Health Officer in the state Ministry of Health and Human Services, encouraged the students to leverage on what they have learnt to proffer solutions to various health problems of the Adolescent