Youth pregnancy: Who gets the blame and shame?

Pondering on headlines about the issue of adolescent pregnancy and its menacing implications on the future of youths, reminds me of Nko town. The town lies quietly somewhere in the heart of Yakurr Local Government Area, Cross River State. Nko, a peace-loving, culturally rich and hospitable community is situated between Mkpani and Adun communities and takes pride in its prowess for battle when need arises. As one resident put it, “we give it to them when they ask for it.”

Although the region is blessed with many natural resources (one of which is the rubber plantation they brag about), it’s a breeding ground for raft cases of adolescent pregnancies. I recall a time when girls aspired to become reputable entities like doctors, lawyers, and some even thought that being the First-Lady was an occupation –they wanted that, to be prominent figures. This can’t be said about Nko girls. It’s like every girl under the age of 15 to 24 walks about with pregnancy on her mind. It’s like the only aspiration which many of them carry with copious pride –just a handful of them talk about school.

At 21, Precious (a pseudonym) already has a one-year-and-four months old son and leaves with her ‘husband’ who in turn lives in his father’s compound.

“I was not ready for the marriage and I wasn’t expecting the pregnancy because my intension was to purchase a JAMB form. My parents did not respond to that desire, it was only my ‘husband’ (at that time the boyfriend) who wanted to sponsor me. So when this event (the pregnancy) happened, I wanted to terminate it, but he told me to keep it and that when the baby gets to at least two years, I can then go back to school. I was not ready because I’m still too small, and I wish my parents would contribute to my education”, she said, and added that she was not so happy about the situation.

Youth pregnancy is an issue that has received attention worldwide. Researches have been conducted and statistics published to show how worrisomely raft the situation is in Africa, and particularly Nigeria. The Federal Commissioner of the NPC in Kogi State, Mohammed AkuboAikoye, based on the findings of the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), explained that adolescent fertility in Nigeria in 2008, topped other African countries with 121 live births per 1,000 births, emphasizing that it was relatively high when compared with other African countries that had considerably reduced adolescent fertility rates.

 

DESMOND OKON