Lagos — Glitz Save a Life with EUDORA N. NDUBISI

"The rate at which teenagers and young adults are being infected with Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in our society is alarming indeed. One of the reasons, a strong one, would be the lack of readily available, adequate and appropriate information with which they can make life-saving decisions. Of course, tradition, culture and religion do not allow discussion of Sexuality in any way; which is why a dependable external source of this information is a great asset." Says Dr. Emma Shai of the Federal Medical Centre, Ebutte Metta, Lagos State, during a one day seminar/workshop for teenagers and youths organized by Glitterati's 'SAVE A LIFE' of Sunday This Day. Held in the multipurpose hall of the Mt Zion Youths Society, - 38 Tejuosho Street, Surulere.

During the Seminar/Workshop it was discovered that, as the physical problems of STIs, HIV and Abortion are mastered, the social problems emerge more starkly. The one-day, Seminar/workshop, sponsored by First Bank Plc, Fin Bank Plc, Centage Mortgage Bankers, Coca Cola Nigeria, UAC Foods, Wamco Plc, - Theme: "Hard Facts On Dating, Sex And Abortion" which was held for Churches and Schools in the Yaba area, on the 15th of November, 2008. The facilitators gave voice, unanimously and fervently to the need to adequately inform and protect our Teenagers and youths from their reckless life style, which from research shows an inadequate grasp of the dire consequences of their actions, which increases mortality rate.

From the maiden seminar last year, it was concluded that the universal disturbance to family life in Nigeria as regards the sudden and untimely deaths of teenagers and youths from Sexually related diseases and abortion is as a result of moral decadence which comes only in part from ignorance, mis-information, and poverty. In some cases it comes from 'a too rapid growth and exposure to western influences.'

Letting them into the consequences-cost - of their recklessness, one could feel and see the severity of their actions dawned on most of them and there was a purposeful outcry of repentance and a pledge to abstinence. The teenagers and youths were shown images and films of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and the hideous methods used in abortion and the resultant consequences of abortion. The pictures of the gruesome acts most of them had done in time past brought home to them the reality of Venereal diseases and murder which has been committed to their unborn child /children.

It can be an uncomfortable conversation at any age. Discussing sexually transmitted diseases, the dangers of unprotected sex and engaging in a healthy sexual lifestyle can bring more than a blush to the face of many, including teenagers.

With that thought in mind, some doctors decided it was time to have an open conversation with teenagers and young adults about dating, sex and abortion and what it means to them.

At the seminar, more than 60 parents, countless teachers and students, christian teenagers and youths took part. Some youths came to the seminar not expecting to learn more than they already knew, though the believed it was a good idea to get a refresher course in sex education.

Some parents came without their children; they wanted to sit in to get information about being responsible for their children's sex education.

Dr Emma Shai delivered a session on 'Sex' the realistic problem teens face when it comes to teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.

"It is in our communities, it is in the schools, and we want you to know about it because it's not going away." Dr. Shai said in his presentation. He made a case for increased responsibility for teens either engaged in or considering entering sexual relationships. He gave a detailed explanation of the physical and emotional stress caused by sexually transmitted diseases.

Doctor Bukky Ogunbiyi of Search and Rescue (911) in her presentation showed the high percentage of teenage pregnancies that involve complications and the long-term financial and lifestyle consequences of an unplanned pregnancy as she showed graphically the horrors in "abortion, the physical and psychological consequences involved."

Because we're hoping that teens will think twice about becoming sexually active," "But if they do become sexually active, and become pregnant, they are to tell their parents or a responsible adult.

Laide Daramola, in closing urged the participants "Right now you can do the fun stuff, but think about the future. You have to make your own decision, but just know there are consequences."

Three tough questions and answers about teenagers and sex that came up during the seminar

Q: What's 100 percent safe other than abstinence?

A: There's no other answer except abstinence. Any sexual activity, even with birth control or a condom, assumes a percentage of risk.

Q: Why do some people believe abortion is the right option?

A: No one is ever ready for abortion. We're not against it because if it becomes illegal it will become unsafe and it will go on anyway.

Q: What can be done about men forcing women or teens to have sex?

A: Education, preventing and reporting. If we teach people early about abuse, diseases and pregnancies, that's power of knowledge. You give people all the options.

"It's a topic most people don't feel comfortable talking about, and these set of people need as much education as they can get." said Dr. uyi, (whose baby choose to make an entrance into this world) "

Teenagers, youths or young adults need to approach sex with maturity -abstain- and not give in to peer pressure or the influence of movies or music. "If you're man enough to have sex, you're man enough to get a condom. "If you can't walk into a pharmacy and buy a pack of durex, then you're not a man. So abstinence is your best bet."