Fortress for All Foundation (FFAF), a Non-Governmental Organisation, has warned female students to abstain from sexual intercourse before marriage, to prevent teenage pregnancy.
The Founder of FFAF, Mrs Debola Okunsanya, gave the caution at an empowerment programme for students on Tuesday in Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event, with the theme, ‘Fulfil Purpose’, was organised by the NGO for no fewer than 350 girls of Herbert Macaulay Girls High School and Birrel Avenue High School, both at Yaba area of the state.
Okunsanya, who is also a pastor with the Redeemed Christian Church of God, said that the programme aimed at teaching students early about sexual education and how to fulfill their dreams.
She said that it was also to help prevent girls from getting pregnant while still in school.
According to her, FFAF is focused on helping teenage mothers get back their lives, by encouraging them to go back to school or in some cases, acquire skills, which will make them become self-reliant.
“As a girl in Nigeria and many African countries, there’s already a lot of problems with the girl child, so, by getting pregnant, their dreams and visions are truncated.
“Getting pregnant between the age of 12 and 17 also makes it seem like that person’s future is dead.
“So, we have a vision that will help these children with children get back their lives, so to speak,” she told NAN.
Earlier, Okunsanya told the students to place value on themselves, their dignity and to remain focused on their dreams.
“You have to start thinking of what you want to do in the next five years.
“A lot of girls out-of-school have their dreams shattered, destinies destroyed,” she said.
Okunsanya cautioned the girls against self-doubt, wrong choices and peer pressure.
She further cautioned the students from having sexual intercourse before marriage, to avoid getting pregnant.
The FFAF founder recommended tips to help them stay focused, including dreaming big; documenting their dreams; setting goals; staying educated and locating mentors to help give them direction
She urged them to focus on their studies and dreams, and avoid distractions.
