By Victor Adeoti
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called for increased support for platforms that amplify the voices of adolescent girls in Nigeria, amid persistent barriers confronting them.
UNICEF Adolescent Development Specialist, Ngozi Izuora-Songu, made the call on Tuesday in Osogbo during a programme tagged “Yes! Girl” watch session for adolescent schoolgirls and boys.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme featured the screening of selected episodes of the Yes! Girl podcast in a cinema setting.
Students from three selected schools attended the session, which highlighted the importance of empowering girls to speak up on issues affecting their lives.
Izuora-Songu noted that Nigeria was home to over 40 million adolescents, nearly half of whom were girls, yet many continue to face significant challenges.
“Many girls continue to face barriers, including limited access to education, harmful gender norms, early marriage, and inadequate access to accurate health information.
“For instance, millions of girls remain out of school, while many lack safe platforms to express themselves or seek guidance on issues affecting their wellbeing. This is where initiatives like Yes! Girl become critical,” she said.
The specialist explained that 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.
According to her, the impact of the podcast has been encouraging, as girls who engage with the platform show increased awareness, stronger self-expression, and a greater willingness to participate in decisions affecting their lives.
“The Yes! Girl podcast is a girl-led platform created for adolescent girls. It addresses critical themes such as mental health, education, gender equality, menstrual health, online safety, child protection, and leadership.
“While the podcast is distributed digitally, today’s watch session provides a physically safe space where girls can connect, speak freely, and learn from one another.
“Our key message today is simple but powerful: when girls are given a voice, they do not just speak—they lead, inspire, and transform their communities.
“The ‘Yes! Girl’ watch session is an initiative designed to amplify the voices, experiences, and aspirations of adolescent girls across Nigeria,” she said.
Izuora-Songu appealed to stakeholders—including government, media, civil society, and communities—to support platforms that centre girls’ voices and ensure that no girl was left unheard.
She also emphasised the need to create opportunities for parents, educators, and community leaders to listen attentively to girls and respond to their concerns.
The Osun Adolscent Desk Officer Mrs Akinlabi, appreciated UNICEF for its sustained support in promoting adolescent development programmes in the state.(NAN)
Edited by Ayodeji Alabi
