By: AgegePulse Magazine
Lagos State Health District 1 has officially launched its Adolescent and Youth Friendly Services (AYFS) at Lagos State Model College, Meiran . The event brought together students from over 10 secondary schools across Meiran, educators, health officials, and community leaders in a bid to promote youth health, awareness, and civic responsibility.
AgegePulse Magazine learnt that, The event focused on key youth-centered issues such as personal hygiene, drug abuse prevention, sexual health education, and the need for informed adolescent decision-making.
It was learnt that, the event was organized to educate and empower young people during their adolescent years. “If we truly believe our children are the leaders of tomorrow, then we must invest in their health and guidance today,” he stated.
Alh. Mrs. Nafisat Akindele delivered a powerful address on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, highlighting the goals of the newly launched youth-friendly centers. She described the AYFS initiative as a “shoulder for young people to lean on”—offering reproductive health support, HIV testing, mental health counselling, sexual health education, and youth empowerment activities across five dedicated facilities in District 1.
She engaged the students in an interactive session on drug abuse, asking them to define drugs. One student confidently responded: “Drugs are substances that alter the body psychologically and mentally.”
Addressing the audience, Dr. Olufunmilayo Bankole In her keynote speech, she explained her choice of attire—a white outfit symbolizing purity—as a reflection of the day’s importance.
She stressed that adolescents are the cornerstone of society and that their access to health services must be safe, inclusive, and non-judgmental.
Her speech centered on three core objectives of the AYFS initiative:
1. Improved Health Outcomes – Encouraging preventive health care and early intervention.
2. Empowerment – Equipping youth with knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions.
3. Inclusivity – Ensuring all adolescents, regardless of background, have access to care and guidance.
She called on principals, tutors, parents, and community leaders to support the centers and help spread awareness about their services.
A school principal took the stage, praising the initiative and thanking the Permanent Secretary for prioritizing student welfare. “It’s clear that Lagos State is taking the health of our students seriously,” he said.
Present at the event were, Dr. Olufunmilayo Bankole – Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Health District 1, Alh. Mrs. Nafisat Akindele – Director of Pharmaceutical Services, Mr. Aboyade Niyi – Director of Community Health Services, Mr. Ojo – Committee Chairman
Mrs. Famuyiwa – Director, Medical Laboratory Services, Representative of Tutor General/Perm Sex., EDD1, Mrs. Adeshakin – Director of Education, Model Senior College among others.
