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By Oluseye Ojo
The National Population Commission (NPC) revealed a while ago that about 400,000 unplanned births are recorded in Nigeria annually, and half of the unwanted births are from young girls aged 15 to 19.
The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs also reported that between 2020 and 2023, Nigeria recorded a total of 27,698 cases of gender-based violence, and 1,145 of the cases were described as fatal.
But in a world where the preservation of endangered species commands global attention, it may be the time to shift focus inward and confront an equally perilous crisis, which is the lives of teenage girls who become pregnant. With each heartbeat of these young lives, countless dreams are aborted, futures truncated, and hardship inflicted upon society itself. It has also been found out that the reaction from parents, religious institutions, and society at large remains painfully inadequate in ensuring that the teenage girls that made the mistakes are able to make a success of their lives.
As gathered, the anguish being faced by pregnant teenage girls cannot be comprehended without understanding the initial reactions from parents and guardians.
Some of the teenage girls that got pregnant were of the opinion that the disappointment and often thunderous confrontations, which they faced, have been compounding their despair, leaving them isolated and devoid of the support they desperately need.
A child rights advocate, Amb. Tolu Taiwo, falls into this category. She is a notable figure in the development space and has decades of experience at the top management level.
According to her, she got pregnant when she was 18 years. She explained that she went for a party and she took some drink, and that was all. She did not know what happened thereafter and how she got pregnant.
Tolu said she decided to keep the pregnancy instead of aborting it. She recounted the ordeals she went through in the hands of her parents, friends, siblings and the religious centre, where she worshipped then.
At a time, she had to be forced out of her parents’ house. During the time, she put up in different places. She recalled how depression set in and how she had thoughts of committing suicide. Somehow, she managed to overcome the challenges. She completed her secondary education and also proceeded to higher institution.
In a bid to give back to the society recently, Amb Tolu Taiwo launched a non-governmental organisation – Twenty-one Five Child Foundation (T1FF) in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, with the aim of taking care of teenage girls that have made mistakes. She is one example of a few women that came out of such mistakes strong. A lot of women might not have been lucky.
At the inauguration of the NGO, Taiwo stated that the child she gave birth to them is a boy and he is 22 years old. The boy has graduated from higher institution and he is currently participating in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme.
Another person that got pregnant while in secondary school is Mrs. Agbeke Akin. She told Saturday Sun: “I got pregnant while in SSII class. I am the last child of my family and I was very young when our father died.
“My elder brother took me to his house. He was not married then. And he was responsible for my feeding and schooling. He took care of me very well.
“But how I got pregnant was a mystery to me. There is a member of our church that used to come to our house. My brother was also helping him. I did not know what he used, he came one day when my brother was not around and we had sexual intercourse. It was the first time in my life
“I was afraid to tell my brother and the thing became pregnancy. Eventually, he got to know. He was disappointed in me and he sent me out of his house to my mother.
“I kept the pregnancy. I also got married to the same man that got me pregnant. The boy I gave birth to then, is now in 300-Level in the university, studying accounting.
“I have also been sponsoring myself in school and I work with an international development organisation in the agricultural sector at present. I give God the glory.”
Both Amb Tolu Taiwo, and Mrs Agbeke Akin noted that religious institutions, often considered bastions of morality, have a duty to equally embrace these endangered teenage lives. They were of the opinion that far too often, girls who brave attending church while pregnant are met with harsh judgment and ostracisation.
Ambassador Tolu Taiwo, said it is time for parents to recognise that their children, though confronting a life-altering situation, need guidance, not condemnation. She believed that by providing emotional support, educational opportunities, and access to healthcare, parents could play a vital role in rehabilitating their daughters’ lives.
“The church was not there for me as well when I got pregnant. I was seen as a devil because I decided to keep the pregnancy. But those that aborted theirs and appeared in church as innocent were treated as angels. That is the other side of life,” Taiwo stated.
Mrs. Agbeke Akin, also recounted: “I was punished by the church. I was asked to come every day to sweep the floor and surrounding of the church everyday till I gave birth to my baby. I was seen as a bad influence on other teenagers. People were not talking to me.
“I endured the punishment given to me by the church. But what baffled me was that I was treated as a bad girl, while no punishment was given to the boy that impregnated me. I think the church should do better and handle things better.” The duo stated that it is crucial that religious leaders emphasise the inherent worthiness of the pregnant teenage girls and offer a sanctuary for their healing.
They believed that by fostering a compassionate environment, grounded in understanding and empathy, religious institutions could help rewrite the narrative surrounding teenage pregnancy. They also noted that it is heartbreaking to see how the pregnant teenagers’ mental health battles are being overlooked.
A presbyter with Methodist Church Nigeria, Very Rev’d Rotimi Samuel, stated that the darkness of depression often engulfed pregnant teenagers, suffocating their hopes and dreams.
“Thoughts of suicide usually loom like vultures, preying on the vulnerable moments when they believe their lives have become irreparably damaged. The society must comprehend that these teenagers need comprehensive mental healthcare to regain control over their lives, pulling them back from the precipice of despair.
“The true extent of the tragedy lies in the curtailed futures experienced by pregnant teenagers. While their peers eagerly discuss college applications, career aspirations, and uncharted adventures, these young mothers are forced into unimaginable parenthood responsibilities before they are ready. Often bereft of the necessary financial and emotional support, their bright futures turn hazy, and they become dependent on a society that has already let them down.
“Regrettably, the life-threatening risks pregnant teenagers face often remain elusive to the general public. Without timely access to prenatal care, their chances of experiencing life-threatening complications increase exponentially. By acknowledging the inherent dangers, society can advocate comprehensive sex education, affordable healthcare, and safe spaces for teenage girls to access support without any fear of judgment.
“Within this complex web of challenges, the issue of abortion also demands attention. While some teenage girls may consider abortion, it is crucial to recognise that every decision in this realm is deeply personal and should be afforded the utmost respect.
“However, the lack of comprehensive sex education, stigma, and restricted access to reproductive healthcare drive teenage girls towards unsafe and hazardous avenues to terminate their pregnancy. It is imperative that conversations surrounding abortion are compassionate, factual, and prioritise the well-being of these young mothers. To truly address this crisis, the rehabilitation and reintegration of pregnant teenage girls into society must become paramount. Specialised programmes should be implemented, offering holistic support including emotional counselling, educational opportunities, and vocational training.
“Additionally, reforms in child welfare systems must ensure these mothers are equipped with the resources necessary to provide a nurturing environment for their children.”
Very Rev’d Rotimi stated further that a discussion is currently going on among the leadership of Christians. “Every denomination has a way of dealing with teenage pregnancy. In particular denominations, the mother of that pregnant woman would be suspended from church activities on the grounds that she has not trained the girl properly.
“In some denominations, the pregnant teenager would be punished. Whichever way, the salvation of the soul of the teenager is very important.
“Now, if you are pregnant, the church can join you and your husband together. But you will not do white wedding. You will be told to wear another colour of clothes. But how do we categorise ladies that have carried out multiple abortions that we still see as good ones? The church will join her with her husband and they would do a white wedding. So, discussion is going on around this issue. But conclusion has not been reached. So, I appeal to unmarried girls and boys to keep themselves holy before God. They should not rush. And those that have made the mistake should be strong and know that the tough time will be over soon, as long as they are not lazy.”
Meanwhile, at the launch of the Twenty-one Five Child Foundation (T1FF) in Ibadan, Amb Tolu Taiwo disclosed that in Nigeria, teenage pregnancy and sexual violence are pervasive issues that threaten the health, well-being, and future prospects of countless young girls, especially about 200,000 unplanned births among 15 to 19 years old girls in Nigeria annually
“These alarming figures underscore the urgent need for action to address the root causes of these problems and provide support and resources to those who need it most,” she said.
Taiwo aspired that the vision of the organisation is to alleviate the sufferings, both physical and mental, often meted out to teenage pregnant girls in the society. Not only that, we also aim to pragmatically work towards ensuring a drastic reduction of such cases through education and stakeholders engagement.
“At T1FF, our mission is clear: to provide necessary support services for pregnant teenage girls and survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, and to work tirelessly to prevent future occurrences through education, advocacy, and community engagement.
“During the course of our outreaches on sex education, menstrual hygiene and general well-being, we have come to realise that the level of decadence and bad morals has eaten deep into our young people.
“As we embark on this journey, I urge each and every one of you to join us in our mission to create a safer, more inclusive society for all. Whether you are a government official, a community leader, a healthcare provider, a student, or a concerned citizen, there is a role for you to play in this important work.
“Together, we can make a difference. Together, we can build a future where every young girl and boy has the opportunity to thrive, free from violence, discrimination, and stigma.”
What actually propelled Amb Tolu Taiwo into the care of pregnant teenagers? She responded: “What propelled me was my experience 22 years ago when I was pregnant with my first child. I was 18 years old at the time.
“I promised myself that later on in life, young girls would have to learn from my journey. They have to learn how to make mistakes, re-strategise, and become successful in life. This is exactly why I started this foundation.
“I have been in the NGO world since 2006, working tirelessly and making an impact in the lives of young girls out there.
“We started the foundation in 2023 and between then and now, we have reached over 700 students, two hospitals, supported 50 pregnant teenagers, and the work continues. Actually, we are making a lot of impacts.” She so advised parents to be close to their children, get into their world, and know what is happening n their private lives.
“These kids know a lot. Sometimes, they see so many things, but they say nothing. We need to encourage them, and counsel them from time to time. It goes beyond telling your kids don’t do this and don’t do that. You need to tell them why you don’t want them to do certain things. Be their friends and make yourself available for them to confide in you. Show them love. When they are loved at home, they can’t be dissuaded out there. Highlights of the programme included a keynote address delivered by a legal luminary, Ms Omotola Olugbodi, on the laws surrounding child rights, as well as cutting of cake, musicals, and goodwill messages. The Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, Alhaji Ademola Babalola, said as the sun sets on the lives of countless teenage girls through the shadows of hopelessness, the “society must rise to the occasion. Only by acknowledging the impact of teenage pregnancy and advocating comprehensive solutions can we begin to safeguard the endangered lives of these young mothers, restore hope, and cultivate a society that prioritises compassion and support over judgment and isolation.
“In this pivotal moment, let us remember that within the struggles of these teenage girls lies the potential for resilience, strength, and change. Together, we can not only rescue these endangered lives but empower them to soar to new heights, proving that in our quest for a better world, no life should ever be deemed expendable.” A research jointly conducted on the topic: ‘Teenage Pregnancy in Nigeria: Causes, Effect and Control’, by O.T. Alabi of the Department of Social Development, and Isaac Oluwafemi Oni of the Social Sciences Department, Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, Ondo State, noted that teenage pregnancy has a detrimental effect on the education and future plans of teenagers.
“This is because the teenage mothers attend school irregularly and sometimes drop out of school Teenage pregnancy is a social as well as an economic issue as it portends low education and employment, high rate of poverty and the psycho-social stigma it carries more so when it is out of wedlock. The correlation between earlier childbearing and failure to complete high elementary school reduces career opportunities for many young mothers.” The two scholars recommended among other things that in a bid to reduce its effect, the home and school environments should be protective enough to shield the children from exposure to negative influences, by parents and teachers being concerned about the well-being of the girl child through education about sex and sexuality and the danger inherent.
“Social welfare agencies (public and private) should redouble efforts in educating, counselling and rehabilitation of victims. By these efforts many of them could be encouraged to continue their education or engage in other meaningful activities to avoid early destitution and other life threatening experiences resulting from early motherhood Teenage programmes should be tailored to the needs of individual communities and include health promotion information and advice, especially on risk taking behaviour.
“Federal and state governments can contribute in the effort to reduce teenage pregnancy by providing stable funding for comprehensive educational and support services to pregnant and parenting teenagers.
“Parents should not be too harsh on teenagers but they should be approachable so as the children can confide in them whenever there is a pressure from peers. Teenagers should be enlightened about the consequence of engaging in sex at the early stage of their lives and parents should stand at best to meet the needs of the teenage child.
“Skills acquisition centres should be established in every local government area to help adolescents who cannot complete formal education to acquire skills that will make them independent.
“Religious leaders should tackle the problem of teenage unwanted pregnancies through moral instructions in churches and mosque.
“Parents should be educated through seminars on the importance of discussing sexuality and the dangers of premarital sex with their children especially the females.
“Since majority of the adolescent girls dropped out of school because of teenage pregnancy, school heads should accommodate those who are still interested in continuing with their educational pursuit after having their babies to complete their education by accepting them back.”
