By Folasade Akpan

Wife of Kwara State Governor, Prof. Olufolake Abdulrazaq, has advised adolescents to use their access to digital tools positively while remaining true to their dreams and aspirations.

Abdulrazaq gave the advice in Abuja at the launch of the Yes! Girl Podcast, a 10-episode video podcast created by adolescent girls for adolescent girls across Nigeria.

“Being a generation that grew up in the digital age, with access to more information and connectivity than ever before, use this as a positive tool to give you unique perspective and skills that will be invaluable.

“Stay true to your dreams and aspirations. Find your passion and use your voices to drive positive change in our society,” she said.

She warned that while technology offered opportunities, it also presented challenges such as increased anxiety, depression, and pressure to succeed.

The governor’s wife commended the podcast for providing a safe platform where adolescent girls could “express themselves confidently, ask thought-provoking questions, and confront real-life challenges.

“This podcast series will no doubt amplify real stories, real struggles, and real successes.

“It will also create a space where girls can be empowered to forge new paths in leadership, innovation, advocacy, and every space where their presence is needed,” she added.

She appealed to parents and educators to listen to the voices of adolescent girls, support their choices and invest in them because they are the architects of Nigeria’s future.

In her remarks, UNICEF Nigeria Representative, Ms Wafaa Saeed, said the Yes! Girl Podcast was designed to be a trusted space for learning and leadership.

“Media is power, and storytelling is now in every pocket. This podcast meets girls where they are, on their phones, in their schools, youth hubs, and homes.

“When a girl hears another girl like her asking hard questions, sharing solutions, or challenging harmful norms, it inspires confidence, agency, and possibility,” she said.

The UNICEF Adolescent and Gender Manager, Takudzwa Kanyangarara, said the podcast was an opportunity for young people to amplify their voices, share their priorities, which would in turn help to design programmes that responded to their needs and realities.

“So, we always make sure that in most of our work, we consult, we hear from them, what are the key priority issues that they want us to address in the work that we do, both as UNICEF, with the government, and with partners.”

Miss Hauwa Abubakar, one of the podcast’s hosts, said the podcast was dedicated to every girl who often felt unseen.

“This podcast is for every girl out there, the girls who feel unseen, the girls who are told they reveal too much, the girls who protect their health, and the girls who are ambitious.

“We are beyond honoured to represent girls from Nigeria and beyond,” she said.

Another adolescent leader, Miss Hanifa Pelemoh, said telling their stories would inspire others.

“This is not just her telling her story. She’s lighting the path for other girls to say, this is what I’m going through.

“When we speak, we pave the way for others, and with that, I think we’ll start to change,” she said.

Convener of Boys Boys Advocacy, Mr Yusuf Abubakar, welcomed the initiative but warned against neglecting boys.

“You, the female gender, have made tremendous progress in terms of empowerment. But boys have been neglected for too long, and if not addressed, it will lead to dire consequences.

“We must balance it; most boys are trying to find their way and we should also support them,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Yes! Girl Podcast was developed under the HPV+ programme with funding from the Government of Canada.

Each episode highlights issues such as HPV prevention, sexual and reproductive health, menstrual hygiene, mental health, education, gender equality, child protection, and climate change. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru