MESH tasks FG, others on teenagers’ religious upbringing

The Education, Social and Health Mission (MESH), the non-governmental organisation (NGO) arm of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), has urged the Federal and other tiers of government to use religion as a tool of proper upbringing of youths in the country.

Hajiya Khadijah Oladipupo, the Lead Program Officer, MESH, made the call Thursday in Abuja at the annual sensitization workshop for adolescents in secondary schools, themed, ‘Empowering Teens for a Better Tomorrow’.

She said that the impact of social vices on teenagers’ career choices and development is also a factor on their contribution to national development.

She said, “Adolescence is the developmental transition to adulthood that includes rapid changes in the brain and body often at a different rates, healthy exploration of identity and learning independence.”

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Executive Director, A New Thing International Foundation, Kenneth Anetor, speaking on ‘Drug Education for Young Adolescents: Increasing knowledge and keeping safe’, said it is important for parents and generality of elders in the country to ensure that youths do not fall into tobacco or other substance use and abuse.

“It is more likely for teenagers that smoke and take other drugs to grow up and be addicted,” he said.

Also, Dr Sa’adatu Adamu of the Secure Future International Initiative, speaking on understanding and supporting teen’s mental-wellbeing, urged parents to help the children build a healthy mental stamina and not allow them fall into mental instability.

She said, “Mental health issues during this time, if unaddressed, can impact academic performance, relationships, and overall well-being, potentially persisting into adulthood. Supporting teen’s mental health during this formative period is crucial for their long-term well-being and development.”