Abuja: Wife of Kwara State Governor, Prof. Olufolake Abdulrazaq, has advised adolescents to use their access to digital tools positively while remaining true to their dreams and aspirations. Abdulrazaq gave the advice in Abuja at the launch of the Yes! Girl Podcast, a 10-episode video podcast created by adolescent girls for adolescent girls across Nigeria.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Abdulrazaq emphasized the importance of utilizing the digital age’s connectivity and information as a positive tool to gain unique perspectives and invaluable skills. She encouraged adolescents to stay true to their dreams, find their passions, and use their voices to drive positive societal change. However, she also cautioned about the potential challenges that technology could bring, such as increased anxiety and pressure to succeed.
The governor’s wife praised the podcast for providing a safe platform for adolescent girls to express themselves, ask thought-provoking questions, and confront real-life challenges. She noted that the podcast series would amplify real stories and struggles while empowering girls to pursue leadership, innovation, and advocacy.
She also appealed to parents and educators to support adolescent girls by listening to their voices, supporting their choices, and investing in them as they are the architects of Nigeria’s future.
UNICEF Nigeria Representative, Ms. Wafaa Saeed, highlighted that the Yes! Girl Podcast was designed to be a trusted space for learning and leadership. She mentioned that media and storytelling have become powerful tools accessible to everyone, inspiring confidence and agency among girls.
The UNICEF Adolescent and Gender Manager, Takudzwa Kanyangarara, added that the podcast was an opportunity for young people to amplify their voices and share priorities, helping to design responsive programs.
Miss Hauwa Abubakar, one of the podcast hosts, expressed the podcast’s dedication to girls who often feel unseen, aiming to represent girls from Nigeria and beyond.
Another adolescent leader, Miss Hanifa Pelemoh, emphasized the importance of sharing stories to inspire others and pave the way for change.
While welcoming the initiative, Convener of Boys Boys Advocacy, Mr. Yusuf Abubakar, warned against neglecting boys, urging balance in empowerment efforts.
The Yes! Girl Podcast, developed under the HPV+ programme and funded by the Government of Canada, highlights issues such as HPV prevention, sexual and reproductive health, menstrual hygiene, mental health, education, gender equality, child protection, and climate change.