By Olaoye Oyewole
The Gender Issues and Youth Development (GIYD) Unit of the Agricultural Media Resources and Extension Centre (AMREC) at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), in partnership with Family Resources and Youth Foundation (FRYFOUND) International, on July 17, 2024, hosted an outreach workshop at the Oba Lipede Ultra Modern Market, Kuto, Abeokuta to empower out-of-school youths on crucial issues affecting their lives.
Dr. Oluwakemi Irekhore, representing both the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, and the AMREC Director, Prof. Jacob Olaoye, commended Chief Mrs. Tejumola Bakre, the Iyaloja of the Market, and other executives for their support.
While declaring the workshop opened on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Irekhore stressed the importance of health, stating that “Health is wealth,” and informed the youths that the programme was aimed at educating participants on maintaining their health, including equipping them with valuable knowledge and skills for a sustainable future.
In her Opening Remarks, Dr. Olubukola Idowu, Team Leader of the GIYD AMREC Programmes, emphasised the significance of prioritising health among the market youths and women.
She reiterated FUNAAB’s commitment to translating research findings into practical solutions for the community.
During her lecture on “Reproductive Health Needs of Youths for Sustainable Development” she urged youths to take care of their bodies and communicate openly with their parents about health issues.
She advised against premature marriages, stressing the importance of seeking medical advice to ensure healthy lifestyles.
In her message to the participants, Mrs. Titilayo Adeyemi, Chairperson of FRYFOUND International, conveyed her organisation’s dedication to educating market women on healthcare and expressed confidence in the positive impact of their collaboration with FUNAAB.
She encouraged participants to seek medical advice for health-related concerns.
Speaking also at the workshop, Prof. Grace Sokoya addressed the participants on the prevention of cholera, a communicable disease, stressing the importance of cleanliness, proper food preparation, and hygiene practices.
During the workshop, Mrs. Adenike Akinosi delivered a lecture on “Capacity Building on Sustainable Development and Self-Esteem,” urging youths to remain resilient despite challenging times, even as she advised parents against encouraging illegal means of income.
In her vote of thanks, Market Board Executive, Madam Ibukun Gentle, expressed gratitude to FUNAAB and FRYFOUND for including market youths in the free health examinations. She assured the University of continuous support for such programmes at Lipede Market.
The outreach saw active participation from the youths and market women of Oba Lipede Market, with free health examinations provided for all attendees.
