The Founder/Executive Director of Mother of Good Counsel Initiatives (MOGCI), Lady Doris Onyeneke, and Dr. Vetty Agala, Face of the Campaign for the 2026 Sexual and Reproductive Health Summit, have called for collective action to address the growing vulnerability of girls to early sexual activity, poverty, cultism, kidnapping, and other social vices in Nigeria.
According to Onyeneke, poverty, certain cultural practices, inadequate parental control, and poor upbringing have contributed to the challenges confronting girls and young women in some communities. She stressed that families, communities, and relevant stakeholders must work collectively to protect the girl-child from these social vices.
Onyeneke expressed concern that some girls are compelled by circumstances to begin catering for themselves at an early age, without adequate parental guidance, training, and economic support, thereby exposing them to early sexual relationships and other negative influences.
The MOGCI chief identified poverty as a major factor driving the vulnerability of some young girls, while parental negligence and inadequate upbringing could further compound the situation. She also raised concerns over cultural and family practices that could weaken parental control, noting that where parents failed to establish appropriate boundaries and monitor their children, young girls could become increasingly exposed to negative influences.
Onyeneke identified peer-group influence as another major factor responsible for early sexual activity among girls, stressing the need for parents and guardians to maintain closer relationships with their children, understand their challenges, and provide the guidance and support required as they grow.
The consequences of vulnerability go beyond sexual and reproductive health, as young people deprived of adequate parental care, education, and positive opportunities could also become exposed to cultism, kidnapping, theft, conflicts, and other social vices. MOGCI and stakeholders, including the Rivers State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), are working together to address these issues.
MOGCI and NUJ are set to hold a pre-summit dialogue on the theme, “Sexual and Reproductive Health and Sustainable Development: The Nexus,” to promote awareness and collective action against the vulnerability of girls to social vices. The collaboration aims to protect the girl-child and promote sustainable development in Nigeria.
Key points
- MOGCI and NUJ unite to address growing vulnerability of girls to early sexual activity, poverty, and social vices in Nigeria.
- Poverty, cultural practices, and inadequate parental control contribute to the challenges confronting girls and young women.
- Collective action is required to protect the girl-child and promote sustainable development in Nigeria.
