Stakeholders Chart Agenda to Safeguard Adolescents in Cross River
By Ekanem Asuquo
In a bold move to prioritize adolescent health and well-being in Cross River State, Girls’ Power Initiative (GPI), with support from Education as a Vaccine (EVA), recently convened a one-day Roundtable Discussion on the Agenda for Action for Adolescents at the GPI Conference Hall in Calabar.
The event brought together youth-led organizations, policy influencers, and key stakeholders in the adolescent health ecosystem to address pressing issues affecting young people—especially adolescent girls—while collaboratively developing strategies to promote a more youth-responsive policy environment.
The roundtable marked a critical fourth phase of an ongoing initiative implemented by GPI, with EVA’s support, aimed at consolidating advocacy gains and advancing a sustainable Agenda for Action for Adolescents in the state.
“This initiative is about moving beyond dialogue—it’s about sustained advocacy and concrete commitments that place adolescents at the center of developmental discourse,” said Ndodeye Bassey-Obongha, Head of Programmes at GPI.
Key sessions at the event spotlighted the need for inclusive policymaking, intergenerational dialogue, and capacity building for youth-led organizations. Participants engaged in mapping exercises, peer knowledge exchange, and strategic planning to ensure adolescents’ voices continue to shape legislative and programmatic decisions.
Also speaking at the event, GPI Coordinator Mrs. Comfort Ikpeme emphasized the urgency of youth-friendly policies, stressing that adolescence is a critical developmental window that must not be overlooked. “We must institutionalize adolescent perspectives in all policies—be it in health, education, or security,” she said.
Discussions at the roundtable also addressed the intersectionality of challenges facing adolescents—ranging from sexual and reproductive health and mental well-being to digital literacy and economic inclusion. Participants agreed on the need for coordinated advocacy visits to local authorities, ministries, and development partners to strengthen political commitment and mobilize funding for adolescent-focused programme.
As Cross River State continues to face gaps in youth health services and protection structures, the Agenda for Action stands as a timely and strategic roadmap to ensure that every adolescent has the opportunity to thrive, lead, and contribute meaningfully to society.
