Nigeria’s Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, has called for urgent action to dismantle systemic barriers affecting young people, particularly girls, at the 2025 Gender and Inclusion Summit in Abuja.
Speaking at the National Dialogue on Adolescent Health and Wellbeing, Dr. Salako described adolescents as “the heartbeat of our nation’s future” but warned they face disproportionate risks such as child marriage, gender-based violence, substance abuse, poor health habits, and limited access to healthcare.
He announced the launch of the first-ever Nigeria Survey on Gender Norms, Attitudes, Health, and Wellbeing, exploring issues from child marriage to HPV vaccination. Supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the findings, he said, will be “instrumental in shaping policies and programs that are not only responsive but transformative.”
The Minister highlighted progress made under the current administration, including the introduction of HPV vaccination for girls aged 9–14, which has already reached over 14 million children — about 96% of the target population. He also noted collaborations with the EU on adolescent health projects in Sokoto, Adamawa, and Kwara states, with plans to scale up nationwide.
Dr. Salako urged states to establish and fund budget lines for adolescent health, stressing that “our joint aspiration should be to build a Nigeria where every adolescent, regardless of gender, background, or circumstance, has the opportunity to thrive.”
The dialogue forms part of the Gender and Inclusion Summit 2025, which continues to position itself as a continental platform for advancing equity, accountability, and inclusive governance.
Cc: Cynthia Bassey
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