The Enugu State Government says it is prioritizing the physical and mental well-being of adolescents and youths through focused initiatives and strategic partnerships.
The Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, stated this on Tuesday during the 2025 International Adolescent Health Week (IAHW) held at the Ministry in Enugu.
The event, themed “Thriving Inside and Out,” emphasized the importance of strengthening both physical and mental health among young people.
Ugwu commended MSI Nigeria Reproductive Choices for partnering with the ministry, noting that Governor Peter Mbah’s administration remained committed to improving the health and development of adolescents across the state.
According to him, the government is deliberately investing in adolescents, including the construction of Smart Green Schools in all 260 political wards to ensure access to quality and inclusive education.
“We ensure no adolescent is left out of school — that’s the first step in preventing adverse health outcomes,” he said, stressing the link between education and overall adolescent well-being.
The commissioner added that the state government also provides at least one nutritious, balanced meal daily for schoolchildren as part of a holistic effort to promote both physical and mental development.
On physical fitness, he cited recent marathon races and sports festivals organized by the government to improve health, promote youth engagement, and reduce health risks among young people.
He said health talks and medical education were being scaled up to encourage adolescents to utilize available healthcare services and make informed decisions about their well-being and lifestyle.
Ugwu further highlighted initiatives by the governor’s wife, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, which sensitize girls on menstrual hygiene and reproductive health across various communities and schools.
“All of these efforts are to support mental stability and empower our adolescents. When you create opportunity, mental health improves,” he said, calling for broader societal support.
He urged parents, caregivers, NGOs, and the general public to play active roles in guiding and supporting adolescents to become healthier and more productive members of society.
Also speaking, the Director of Public Health, Dr. Uche Chukwu Okenwa, noted that adolescents face challenges such as anxiety, depression, peer pressure, violence, drug abuse, and the negative effects of the digital environment.
He said the Mbah administration recognizes that physical health cannot be addressed without supporting mental wellness, hence the focus on promoting mental resilience in schools and communities.
Regional Manager of MSI Nigeria Reproductive Choices, Mr. Elvis Umeh, represented by the organization’s Social Behavioral Change Officer, Mr. China Agha, said peer influence often limits adolescents’ access to youth-friendly services.
He added that the organization continues to collaborate with the ministry to deliver mental health education in schools and promote behavioral change communication among young people.
