In Nigeria, LGBT youth have been in the low, though they have a presence but not dominant. In fact, quite a number of young people are beginning to identify more as either lesbian or gay and its becoming more acceptable within the youth population than with the older people. Even though the majority of the Nigerian society frowns against it, particularly older people due to cultural and religious beliefs, that hasn’t really changed how people express their sexuality.

However, it is actually difficult for young people to freely express themselves publicly due to fear of being stigmatized or treated as an outcast. Most people actually think that it is an abnormality for any human being to identify as LGBT

Individual sexual orientation/identity isn’t a prerequisite for getting an education in Nigeria except maybe in the grassroots where both young and old have little or no information about LGBT issues and youth reproductive rights. Since LGBT orientation or identity is more or less like an abomination, it will be impossible for young people who are openly LGBT to get education and RH services.

On the contrary, getting quality education in the urban area is dependent on one’s social economic status and class. So, if I belong to the LGBT community and am wealthy or my parents are either wealthy or powerful, that makes me untouchable and qualified to get any kind of education or reproductive health services that I may need. Unfortunately, the majority of the population in Nigeria is poor people so in reality only very few can have access to quality education.

I believe there is a need to begin to educate the masses and leaders because the concept of LGBT is not properly understood. There are misconstrued perceptions about LGBT and since Nigeria is a strong religious and culturally driven nation, it makes it harder to protect the rights of LGBT. Considering also the poor quality of leadership in this nation, a lot of other foundational structures that have been put in place do not yet have the capacity to maintain order and justice, which makes it even more difficult to actually get policies or programs in place to protect LGBT.

Young people can be agents of change by talking more about LGBTs especially within the family unit and at the grassroots. It is important to emphasize that LGBT are human beings like every other person who have the potential and ability to be creative, innovative and successful. Being LGBT doesn’t make anyone less of a human.

For my religious and culturally dogmatic folks out there who feel being LGBT is the worse sin or worse immoral behavior, I have a couple of questions for you. Who are you to judge? If any is perfect among you, let him be the first to cast the stone?   

Why should anyone think just because they are straight, they are better than LGBT?

Guess what, we are all equal. We all have the rights to be who we want to be.
The world is a global village and we are all one big family. Let us stop the hate.

 The 45th session of the Commission on Population and Development commenced 5days ago. This year’s theme is Adolescents and young people and the whole essence of this year’s commission is to review and access the progress of the ICPD and to proffer solutions to the unlimited social problems young people are facing ranging from reproductive health issues to unemployment to education and so on.

Since the last 4days, so much about the statistics of young people that are being affected by several health issues has been reiterated by different country delegates through their statements. We have also heard so much from NGOs, UN agencies and other stakeholders about what the issue is and what should be done to address these enormous issues that young people are facing.

It is funny how some member states are not in support of youth reproductive health and rights. They think it is outrageous for a young person to have knowledge, information and access to services related to their own body and reproductive rights. They believe that young people should not have control over their body or reproductive health. Like seriously! Have you heard that before? In this time and age where social structures are unreliable, everyone should have the right to get information to protect themselves and to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.

These member states think giving young people the right to get information or make decisions about their reproductive health is about encouraging youths to have sex but it is not. As the Executive Director for UNFPA rightly said “giving young people the right to access information isn’t about encouraging them to have sex but providing them with the right information so that they can make informed choices”.

It’s sad that these people do not want to accept that whether they kick against it or not young people are having sex. Most times, adolescents and youth engage in sexual activity not by choice but by coercion or peer pressure. It is not in our place to decide what these youths should do with their bodies but to ensure that they have the knowledge to choose wisely no matter what situations they find themselves.

I am worried though! I am worried about the fact that there has been a lot of emphasis on the issues and not on the rights of the human person. I am worried that delegates will not come to a consensus on what appropriate language should be used to reaffirm commitments made in the ICPD Program of Action. I am worried that there may not be any substantial advancement for Adolescents and Youth development at this year’s CPD.

It’s been 18years since the UN CPD has been reviewing and assessing the implementation of the ICPD Program of Action. Although, some progress has been made in some years in ensuring that appropriate languages are reflected to reaffirms government’s commitment and all but last year’s resolution was not quite strong just because countries couldn’t come to a consensus.

We honestly cannot afford to waste any more time arguing as billions of young people’s lives are dependent on the favorable outcome of this policy. Now is the time for member states to come together and agree in the best interest of young people in the world and understand and accept that youth rights are human rights.

 
Looking around us, at the posh homes, luxurious lifestyles, nice cars, seems like the people who own these things are actually making a better impact in the world, like they have more meaning to their existence. With the change in times today, the youth population and mind-set is much more complex and diverse.
Bringing it home to Nigeria, we have a huge disparity for opportunities amongst our youths. Some are rich; some are poor, while some don’t even have the opportunity at all. In a capitalist nation like ours, with a huge gap between the rich and the poor, where the masses struggle to earn a living and they keep getting poorer, while the rich keeps getting richer. The economic situation is pathetic! Our dear leaders see a need to earn huge salaries and send their kids to school abroad. Meanwhile, the health systems, the educations systems, the environment is all in a state of coma.
The world we live in today is such a small place, it looks so big but trust me; I might just be the cousin you have never met.
The essence of living is impact. Whether you are from a poor or rich home, you should live to impact the lives of others. Growing up as a teenager, I have always been challenged to be the pacesetter, live a life that exceeds the ordinary and question everything wrong around me including the status quo.
You may think, “I do not have anything to give. Yes, the educational system is bad, the health system is bad but I really do not have any business with that, besides I am not a Senator or Governor, neither is my father, so it really is not my problem.” The truth is it is your business because Nigeria is our land of heritage. It is our responsibility to ensure that Nigeria becomes a better place.
Maybe I should remind you that young people account for over 60% of new HIV/AIDS infection and amongst those 60% are young women. 1 in 5 young girls are married by age 15. In the last SSCE, less than 15% had 4credits including Maths and English. About 20million young people struggle to gain entrance into any of the 200 academic institutions in Nigeria. Thousands of Nigerian graduates roam the streets unemployed. The rate of abortion keeps increasing, majority of those that engage in abortions die, millions of children flock the streets for instance Almajiris. Why? Why must our youth continue to suffer?
Now let me ask you “Is there not a cause?” Is there not a reason for you to impact and make a difference in the lives of these youths? Shouldn’t it be said that because you walked the surface of this earth, Nigeria academic institutions became world best or because you gave 2hrs of your time to teaching students maths and English an additional 20% passed Maths and English; or because you took the courage to start that organization or industry, 1.5young people became employed? Or because you read medicine, quality in health delivery in Nigeria became the standard. Is there not a cause?
The world is waiting for you! You do not have to wait till you are 30, now is the time. Amplify your vision, Amplify your heart and Amplify your voice. Enough of sitting around and waiting for the government, we are the government and we are Nigeria for THERE IS A CAUSE!

On Sunday the 30th of January, my friend called me from the hospital asking if  my blood group and genotype was AA/ A+ because she had been admitted and needed to have a blood transfusion. I knew my genotype is AA but I wasn’t sure if I was A+. Anyways I quickly went to meet her at the hospital so I could at least find out. When I got there, she gave me a note to go to the lab and find out whether or not I am A+. When I got to the lab, there was nobody there; I eventually found my way to where music was playing. As I entered, it was a female lab assistant; she had earphones on and wouldn’t even ask me what I was doing there. Then I walked up to her and asked where I can get my blood tested. Guess what she said, “not here”. Immediately, she plugged her earphones back into her hears. Off course I didn’t need anyone to tell me to leave and find some other place to go.
The rest is history.

Read the rest of the SHOCKING STORY in her own words:

I requested and was granted discharge yesterday from the female medical ward of national hospital. When I was at the ward entrance preparing to leave a lady walked up to me and said she had lost her mother and was now leaving, and that the mother died because the nurses did not bring oxygen on time! I have no reason to doubt her because my own experience was the worst admission experience I have ever had (and as a sickle cell survivor over age 30, I have had many!) I decided since my blood transfusion was completed, other discomforts aside I had better leave while I can still walk unassisted!

Here's a little advice from me to anyone going on admission there:

National Hospital Admission Requirements:
Kindly take the following or be ready to do without:
1. Bed - (I was kept in a chair at the entrance the emergency area receiving I.V. Fluids (drips) for 6 hours waiting for a bed space, meanwhile a member of staff on admission had a 2-room space all to herself).
2. Pillows - as many as required
3. Blanket (bring 2or3, some to place upon the lumpy, torn, poor-excuse for a mattress and 1 to cover yourself)
4. Fan - the A.C. May not be working.
5. Hand fans - the socket may not be working
6. A. C. Remote - there is only one for the entire floor, so you will have to go to the nurses’ station to borrow it every time u need to regulate to A.C.
7. Bucket - none in bathroom, upon request nurse said patients bring their own
8. Toilet paper - no explanation necessary
9. Kettle - the one available is 'for staff' but a nurse can sell you one for N2, 500
10. Mop - the faulty plumbing resulted in water seeping into my room from the bathroom.
11. Scarves or old clothing - to plug the massive holes in the ancient mosquito net (I had to use my t-shirt)
12. Mosquito repellent and lots of it - nevertheless whatever your ailment is prepared to treat for malaria after admission
13. Magnifying glass - to examine the tablets the nurses administer to you before you swallow them
14 - Ear plugs - the nurses spend hours gisting in unpleasantly loud voices so u will need these if you hope to sleep (I had to use my headphones)
15. Gloves - the Dr. Cannot examine you without it though you may purchase a pack of 6 from a willing nurse
16 - TV: a TV stand was present with no TV on it, and the ceiling above the stand had been blackened by smoke from a previous fire, hmm..
17. Wheelchair - to take you for x-rays, scans or other procedures (I rode in a creaky, dilapidated one that Mungo Park may have left while exploring the Niger - it had a rope tied across the front instead of foot pedals, and the handle fell off while the attendant was pushing me!)
18. Lots of cash in small bills - to bribe the sole attendant available to carry out any procedures relating to ur care in a timely manner (It took 3 days to get registered for a scan already paid for)
19. Bottled water - you will certainly be given tablets with not a drop of water to swallow them
20. Food - suggested (I was not given any meal forms on admission, no one inquired about my meals for the first two days! No matter because I had no intention of eating the food anyway, however my roommate's exploits with the hospital kitchen staff tell me I wasn't missing anything!)
21. A phone with long-lasting battery and inexhaustible credit and doctors on speed-dial: you will have to personally call the doctors severally to make any progress with your treatment so ensure to get names and numbers of every doctor you meet.
22. Calculator - to keep accounts (an attendant was sent by a nurse to tell me my deposit was exhausted and I should pay for drugs while it turns out I have an outstanding balance yet to be refunded!
23. At least 1 Able-Bodied relative/friend: this person must be ready to stay with you night and day to serve as a human call-bell for the nurses because the bells do not work and the nurses do not check u on their own; the person must be aggressive and ready to battle the nurses for your medication which is otherwise always late. (my mother had to go with a friendly doctor to get the blood for my transfusion because the nurses kept us waiting for hours claiming there was no one to go and get it!)
24. A thorough knowledge of your condition and treatment options or a Doctor friend/relative who has one and can monitor your treatment or else the more you see the less you will understand.

More...

Many young people in Nigeria are still ignorant about their RIGHTS. Some have totally given up on their dreams due to life’s challenges, dashed hopes and the state of the Nigerian economic situation while others are just floating and have accepted to fate saying “what will be will be. My dear friends, being lax would not change anything; the problems we face today are the opportunities we need to make meaning out of life.

Listen! Over the years, leadership has been a major issue in this nation and that is because Nigerians, particularly young people have gone to sleep. We are not in the forefront of the affairs of this nation. They keep telling us, we are the leaders of tomorrow and yet we are still sleeping. Why would they be accountable to us, when the people they are leading do not make demands? If we keep waiting and thinking a better Nigeria will happen just like that, I am sorry to announce to you that it will continue to get worse.

In addition, just so you know, majority of these politicians do not send their kids to Nigerian schools, so they are not really affected; we seriously need to be on top of our game. Consider the developmental issues that we are faced with in Nigeria, young people account for the most affected population, particularly in terms of education, health and environmental issues. If we do not speak up, am afraid we might end up worse than the older generation.

As we approach the upcoming elections in Nigeria, we need to begin to think strategically on the things we expect from this new government. We cannot continue to be lax and silent because there is no time. We have been in this valley for too long. We need to change the status-quo.

Let us all come out in good numbers and RSVP come April 2011.
R- Register, S- Select, V- Vote and P- Protect (your vote).

Let us ensure that we register and select leaders that reflect our ideals and values, leaders we can hold accountable. Voting is a necessity. Let us all come out in good numbers to vote and refuse to be tools for causing political violence. Remember, their kids are not here and if you are caught, Independent National Electoral Commission INEC will throw you straight into the prison. Protect your vote by ensuring that the votes are counted and take pictures if you want.

We can’t afford to continue folding our hands and act like the responsibility of Nation building is not ours? Our future is in our own hands and now is the time to act.

In a world of 7 Billion what do you see -- Opportunities or Challenges?

World population reached 7 Billion on 31st October (UNFPA). Young people (10 to 24) make up 43% of the world’s population; 1.2 billion people are adolescent ages 10 to 19, the largest population of adolescents ever in history while 4 out of every 5 adolescent live in the developing world. Half of the population in Sub Saharan Africa is under the age of 15 and less that 5% is over age 60. And my dear country Nigeria happens to be the most populous black nation not only in Africa but in the world also.

The thought of knowing Nigeria has already reached 167 mllion is worrisome. Not because high population is bad but when resources are not reaching the ones that need it the most, then it becomes an issue of concern. I would think that the population of a nation should be its strength and an added advantage to its economic growth and development but unfortunately in the case of Nigeria, it’s as though her population is a setback.

At the recent Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) policy dialogue on the Nigerian economy in 2009, Nigeria's Minister of Finance, Mrs Ngozi Okonjo Iweala quoted data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) saying that “unemployment in Nigeria is running at around 19.7 percent on average... and almost half of 15-24 year olds living in urban areas are jobless” and said that reducing unemployment and enhancing economic productivity are top priorities for the National Economic Management team. The minister continued by saying, "49% of the unemployed reside in the urban region and 39.7% unemployed are in the rural region. Some states are more affected than other states and what this means is that there is a massive disconnection between the economic growth achieved in the country in the last five years making this an economic issue which could grow to become a social issue.

Unfortunately, there is already a major social issue. Statistics on unemployment, HIV/AIDS, abortion, maternal death, malnutrition, deviance to mention a few, shows that young people and children are the most affected.

Nigeria, where do we go from here? World population reaches 7 billion, Nigeria population estimated to have reached 167 million. Where is Nigeria in a world of 7 billion?

One question that keeps popping in my head is, as a young person, what can I do to make a change? In a world of 7 bllion, how can I make a difference? I don’t just want to remain a unit in the statistics of affected youth population but a catalyst of change. Our generation is peculiar in nature. Leadership, Governance and social change, is a responsibility we must all stand up to because, the reality is that the government CANNOT solve these issues.

As young people living in Nigeria, we need to begin to rise up and take our future into our hands. We have waited for too long for a government who doesn’t understand our peculiar needs and probably won’t understand in the nearest future. We need to start unleashing the potential within us in order to create the Nigeria we desire. We are the government and there is no better time to transform Nigeria than now.

December 2010, the Youth Advocates Group (YAG) launched the RED CARD campaign to push Nigerian legislators to pass the ANTI-STIGMA BILL. YAG had previously made recommendations on the bill during the public hearing in November 2010. In preparation for the launching of the campaign, YAG set out into 12 states to engage young people in the signing of the RED CARD to their representatives. Youth participation was meaningful as 2, 010 young people signed the RED CARD. Also, messages on the RED CARD by the youth were real, diverse and on point. YAG also called for a press briefing with the media that made a huge buzz on the news “Youth to give Senator Iyabo Obasanjo Bello a RED CARD”
http://dailytrust.dailytrust.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7530:aids-campaign-youths-to-give-iyabo-obasanjo-bello-red-card&catid=4:city-news&Itemid=4

In April 2011, YAG launched out into the communities, mobilizing young people on the need to use their voting right to choose a bright future. We didn't just stop there, we also created a platform for interaction between the political aspirants and the youth. The interactive session brought about some level of dialogue and mutual understanding.

Come July 2011, YAG wasn’t left, out as the Federal Ministry of Health summoned us to participate in the sensitization workshop for the Action Plan for Advancing Young People’s Health and Development in Nigeria and they also allowed us to lead in the process of costing the action plan. It was an awesome experience and a clear demonstration of meaningful youth participation in policy-making processes.

Then, when we thought our leaders had gone on recess and there would be no one to lobby or advocate to, we came up with the sensitization workshop for committee members staffs. YAG brought it down BIG. They thought we were ordinary young Nigerians who were just looking for recognition but we showed them we got stuff. Though getting into the National Assembly to deliver the letters was so difficult but we survived it. Even when we got the letters in, getting their commitment to attend wasn’t any easier but we survived it.

11th August, the day all YAG members had so much anticipated. It was the first of its kind for us. It was the day for the sensitization workshop. Committee members staff showed up a little late but we still started in good time. The event began, PowerPoint presentation on YAGs goal, objectives, activities, successes and challenges was 1st. Then, another presentation on the use and importance of the National Policy on the Health and Development of Adolescent and Young people in Nigeria (NPHDAYPN) and the National Strategic Framework on the Health and Development of Adolescent and Young People in Nigeria + the Action plan for Advancing Young People’s Health and Development in Nigeria. The YAG was also part of the process in developing these documents.

The committee member staffs were seriously trying to keep their cool but we took the better part of them when we showed 2 video documentaries on “Access to Youth Friendly Centers”, which was collated and produced by YAG. They couldn’t help it but show how impressed they were and appreciative of the fact that they gained knowledge and understanding of things young people learn mostly by experience. They realized we were not cup-caked, buttered, spoilt kids but saw that we knew what it meant to be broken, deprived and to survive in a world of injustice.

I said all that to say this: As we celebrate August 12, the International Year of Youth, the journey has just began. Let us be reminded that as we count and rejoice over the successes of yesterday, greatness lies ahead. We are the paddle to the great ship of Africa, even Nigeria. The multi-billion ideas that will turn our continent around lies within us. Though we continue to strive and hope that full transformation happens in our generation, Let us not rest on our oars. Let us continue to paddle, fight and give with every breathe in us, so that even if total transformation doesn’t happen in our time, whoever takes the baton while we are gone, will take also, the spirit of patriotism and run with passion.

Happy International Youth Day, the fight continues and the best is yet to come.

"When women and adolescent girls have rights and opportunities, their families, communities and nations prosper." UNFPA Executive. Director – Babatunde Oshotimehin

The 2008 National Demographic Health Survey NDHS estimates that 25% of males and 50% of females between the ages of 10-19 years have commenced sexual activity. In 2008, the median age of first sexual intercourse was estimated at 17.7years for females and 20.6 years for males. These risks are increased by a low contraceptive use rate of only 15% in Nigeria. The need for health education interventions is illustrated by some grim facts: young people account for over 30% of all HIV/AIDS cases in Nigeria. The HIV prevalence among 15-19 year olds is 3.3% and 4.6% for 20-24 year olds. The STI prevalence rate among youth is 40%; however, only 4% of these curable STI are effectively treated.

Do you ever think about how the health of this youth generation, particularly girls affects you? Imagine if we had most of these health policies running effectively and properly monitored.
In many countries including Nigeria, women are the primary providers for their families, not only taking care of the household but also working outside the home. Yet, many do not enjoy basic human rights, including freedom from violence, quality health care and the right to education to mention a few.

Young people still do not have any kind of health insurance benefits. We have to pay for every service in any health institution except our parents are civil servants.

Excuse me, my mum is not a civil servant, neither does she work with a private institution. She even looks up to me to support her petty trade, where in the world am I supposed to go if I discover that I have a lump in my breast or tooth decay to get quality health care with very little cost.

I am frustrated about the way the health systems work in Nigeria. The other day, my close friend went to the clinic in her dad’s office for medical checkup. She had to lie she was under 18 so they can attend to her. At this point, I really yearn to see a Nigeria where every young person can walk into any health facility and receive quality health care. It is not rocket science. It is BASIC! .

More professionally trained youth providers should be employed. It will reduce unemployment rate of young people aside from ensuring quality services are delivered. Young people do not have access to adequate health care services. Even though the government claims that youth centers exist, young people cannot access them and they definitely cannot afford to use a public health facility.

The Nigerian government is very aware that majority of the Youth population are unemployed and the Nigerian structure and systems does not even motivate people to have their personal business. Electricity remains a constant issue. Yet the quality of education is not any better,

More...

On 28 March, I was in a 2-day dissemination meeting of the RH-HIV integration guidelines by the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) and one thing that struck me was the announcement of free planning commodities at all levels by the Director for Family Health, Dr Momah. Again on 24 May, the Honourable Minister of Health represented by the Permanent Secretary in person of Dr Mrs. Majekodunmi also reiterated that Family Planning commodities has now been made free at all levels at the Safe-Motherhood day commemoration event by FMOH . I think it is an amazing gesture and I will like to commend the efforts of the Federal Ministry of Health in making those commodities free.

However, my concern is, since the commodities have been made free at the Federal level, the state is meant to ensure free distribution of the commodities to the various health facilities while the local government is to make sure the commodities are gotten free.
The reality is that people still have to pay for services at the Primary Health institutions. The reason is that only the commodities are free and not the services. In other words, the actual cost of the commodity but the opportunity cost of accessing the commodity is not free. It means the whole purpose has been defeated because we still have to pay. How can we have free family planning commodities without free family planning services? For example, if I get a contraceptive implant free, I will need to pay to get the implant out. What is the implication of this on Young people?

Low access to Youth Friendly Services, Low use of contraception

The truth be told, we do not need this. We are having a hard time getting adequate access to Youth Friendly Services, now they are telling us the commodity is free but there is a cost for getting it so how free is free? 23, female FCT

Our election has come and gone but the euphoria is still in the air. Youth participation in elections this year amounts to the highest in Nigeria’s history. Who would have thought young people would come out in such numbers to exercise their voting power considering the fact that they face a lot developmental challenges such as unemployment, poverty, high rate of HIV infection, illiteracy and so on. Still, we came out and made a huge impact in terms of participation and voting who we thought would deliver.

Nigerian youths like never before spoke out. Different organizations committed resources to educating and sensitizing youths in the rural communities on the importance of voting a credible leader. An indigenous artist, Ty Bello released a National theme Song for the Nigerian youths titled “We are the Future”. Enough is Enough Nigeria; a youth coalition hosted a Presidential debate, Education as a Vaccine carried out an interactive session in 4 states educating and sensitizing young people on the need for them to vote credible leadership into power so that they can subsequently hold their government accountable at their level. The Interactive sessions also created a platform for these young people at the grassroots to dialogue with political aspirants on specific issues such as health and education. All these were done in the bid towards youth participation and knowing the quality of aspirants for the 2011 elections.

One would wonder what brought about the sudden involvement of the Nigerian youth in governance. Social media some will say was partly responsible, others think that some political parties cajoled some young people while some also think that the time had come for the youth to take action. However, the impact of youth participation in this year 2011 election cannot be demystified I would say we were tired and frustrated about bad governance and a yearn for change propelled us. I would also say our voting choice was based on who we knew would make change happen whether because of the promises they made or their character.

As the International year of the Youth with the theme “Dialogue and Mutual Understanding” ends, let us not rest on our oars. Now is the time for us to continue engaging our policy-makers. The next four years have started running, KEEP WATCH!