Health commissioner in Enugu, George Ugwu, says the state is prioritising the physical and mental well-being of adolescents and youths through focused government initiatives and partnerships.

Mr Ugwu stated this during the 2025 International Adolescent Health Week on Tuesday in Enugu.

He commended MSI Nigeria Reproductive Choices for partnering with the ministry, adding that Governor Peter Mbah’s administration was focused on young people through strategic health and development interventions across the state.

The commissioner said the government was intentionally investing in adolescents by constructing Smart Green Schools in 260 political wards to guarantee access to quality and inclusive education.

“We ensure no adolescent is left out of school; that’s the first step in preventing adverse health outcomes,” he said, highlighting the link between education and overall adolescent well-being.

Mr Ugwu added that the state also ensured schoolchildren get at least one nutritious, balanced meal daily as part of a holistic plan to promote both physical and mental development.

On physical fitness, he noted recent marathon races and sports festivals led by the government to improve health, promote youth engagement, and reduce health risks among young people.

He said health talks and medical education are being scaled up to encourage adolescents to use available healthcare services and make informed decisions about their well-being and lifestyle.

Mr Ugwu also highlighted programmes initiated by the governor’s wife, Nkechinyere Mbah, which educated girls on menstrual hygiene and reproductive health across various communities and school groups.

“All of these efforts are to support mental stability and empower our adolescents. When you create opportunity, mental health improves,” he said, calling for wider societal engagement.

He urged parents, caregivers, NGOs, and the general public to play an active role in guiding and supporting adolescents to become healthier and more productive members of society.

Also speaking, Uche Chukwu Okenwa, director of public health, noted adolescents faced issues like anxiety, depression, peer pressure, violence, drug abuse, and challenges from the digital environment.

He said the Mbah administration could not address physical health without supporting mental wellness, which was why it promoted mental resilience in both schools and communities across the state.

Elvis Umeh, the regional manager of MSI Nigeria Reproductive Choices, said factors like peer influence limited adolescents’ access to youth-friendly services, which the organisation addressed through behavioural change communication.

Mr Umeh said the organisation continued to partner with the ministry to deliver mental health education in schools.

(NAN)