By Milcah Tanimu
Child rights advocate and founder of the Twenty-One Five Child Foundation (T1FF), Amb. Tolu Taiwo, has revealed that Nigeria experiences over 400,000 unplanned births each year. This alarming statistic was disclosed during the launch of T1FF in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, on Tuesday.
Taiwo highlighted that half of these unplanned births occur among girls aged 15 to 19. She also drew attention to the severe issue of gender-based violence, reporting 27,698 cases between 2020 and 2023, with 1,145 of these cases resulting in fatalities.
Emphasizing the urgent need for action, Taiwo called for a change in approach from religious leaders and parents. She criticized the harmful impact of stigmatization, which often leads to unsafe abortions and untimely deaths.
T1FF is dedicated to alleviating the physical and mental suffering faced by pregnant teenage girls. The foundation aims to provide support services for these girls and survivors of gender-based violence while working to prevent such incidents through education, advocacy, and community engagement.
Taiwo urged individuals from all sectors to collaborate in creating a safer and more inclusive society. She stressed the importance of education, stakeholder engagement, and community involvement in addressing teenage pregnancy and gender-based violence in Nigeria.
“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,” Taiwo said.
T1FF aims to transform child rights protection in Nigeria, focusing on building a future where every young girl and boy can thrive without fear of violence, discrimination, or stigma.
The launch event featured a keynote address by legal luminary Ms. Omotola Olugbodi on child rights laws, along with a cake-cutting ceremony, musical performances, and goodwill messages.