The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has encouraged adolescents to refrain from shielding their violators and instead expose them. The agency also called on Nigerian governments and other relevant stakeholders to strengthen their support for platforms that are critically important for the well-being and productive development of adolescents.
According to the UN agency, one strategic way to encourage young girls and boys to aspire for greatness and reflect positively on issues affecting their lives is for governments to allocate budgets for the future of adolescents. Ngozi Izuora-Songu, the Adolescent Development Specialist of UNICEF, gave this charge during a program tagged: "YES! GIRL Watch Session" held in Osogbo, Osun State.
UNICEF brought together girls and boys aged between 9 and 19 from different schools in Osun to watch a 10-episode video podcast series created by adolescent girls, for adolescent girls across Nigeria. The initiative was designed to amplify the voices, experiences, and aspirations of adolescent girls throughout the country.
At the Osogbo Cinema where the episodes were showcased, issues surrounding the need for adolescents to speak up against harmful practices and assault were discussed. After each episode, participants expressed themselves freely, asked bold questions, and tackled real-life challenges they are confronting.
Izuora-Songu further called on all stakeholders—government, media, civil society, and communities—to continue supporting platforms that center girls' voices and ensure that no girl is left unheard. According to her, Nigeria is home to over 40 million adolescents, nearly half of whom are girls. She noted that many girls continue to face barriers, including limited access to education, harmful gender norms, early marriage, and inadequate access to accurate health information.
"For example, millions of girls are still out of school, and many lack safe platforms to express themselves or seek guidance on issues affecting their wellbeing," she added. The UNICEF specialist then urged governments to prioritize the needs of adolescents whenever they are making budgets, noting that when there are spaces, facilities, and channels for adolescents to freely access, share their stories, and receive counsel, their future would be more secure and brighter.
She said: "Nigeria houses a huge population of young voices, whose needs and aspirations must be captured. Government budgets must reflect the needs and aspirations of these adolescents, and our governments should know that as they budget for these young girls and boys, they budget for the future."
"This is where initiatives like Yes! Girl become critical. By combining storytelling with real-life experiences, the podcast helps bridge information gaps, challenge harmful norms, and inspire girls to see themselves as leaders and change-makers. The watch session takes this a step further, transforming passive listening into active engagement, where girls can ask questions, share their stories, and build confidence in their voices. The impact we are already seeing is encouraging. Girls who engage with this platform demonstrate increased awareness, stronger self-expression, and a greater willingness to participate in decisions affecting their lives. Equally important, it creates an opportunity for parents, educators, and community leaders to listen—truly listen—to girls. Our key message today is simple but powerful: When girls are given a voice, they do not just speak—they lead, they inspire, and they transform their communities. We call on all stakeholders—government, media, civil society, and communities—to continue supporting platforms that center girls' voices and ensure that no girl is left unheard," she said.
