By VICTOR ADEOTI

A member of the National Assembly Service Commission, Taiwo Oluga, has described the rate of teenage pregnancy in rural communities in the country as a major social and public health concern.

Oluga, a former member of the House of Representatives, made the remarks on Thursday during an engagement programme at Akiriboto town in Ayedaade Local Government Area of Osun.

She said many young girls under the age of 18 in rural areas were becoming mothers prematurely, which was often without proper health care, education, or family support structures.

“It is alarming and heartbreaking to see our girls, some as young as 13, forced into adulthood through pregnancy.

“This not only endangers their health and future but also perpetuates cycles of poverty, illiteracy and social disadvantage,” she said.

According to her, teenage pregnancy is prevalent in rural areas due to poverty, lack of sex education, early marriage practices and weak family support systems.

Oluga called on parents, traditional rulers, religious leaders, teachers, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO), and government agencies to intensify awareness campaigns, and community-based programmes aimed at protecting girls and keeping them in school.

“Education is the most powerful tool we have to break this cycle. A girl in school is less likely to become a child bride or teenage mother.

“We must ensure that no girl drops out because of pregnancy or early marriage,” she said.

She also advocated for the inclusion of comprehensive reproductive health education in both formal and informal settings, especially in rural schools and communities where knowledge gaps were wide.

Oluga also called on local governments, state ministries of health and education to collaborate with community-based organisations to provide free access to adolescent-friendly health services, counseling, and sanitary resources.

She also warned against the exploitation of young girls by older men, noting that many cases of under-aged pregnancy were linked to abuse and power imbalance.

“This is not just a moral issue; it is a violation of the Child Rights Act. Law enforcement must be vigilant in ensuring perpetrators are brought to justice,” she said. (NAN)