The 2nd Phase of sensitization campaign in Akwa Ibom secondary schools on the Dangers and Consequences of premarital sex was tagged; “Girls Uphold your Dignity” The sensitization program has reached out to about 26 schools in the 3 senatorial districts of the state with most of the schools being in the rural communities. During interactions with the girls in the first phase of the program in 2016/18, FEYReP team had identified poverty, peer pressure, lack of educational materials, ignorance to the consequences of premarital sex as factors that predisposes the girl child to premarital sexual involvement. Armed with this information, the provision of educational materials and sanitary pads at the end of each sensitization session with the girls became imperative.

“What we preach from school to school is complete abstinence from premarital sex as this is known to lead to unwanted pregnancy, genital injuries – VVF, STDs and a number of social consequences. The Girls Uphold Your Dignity is a complete reorientation package for the girl child with the view to improving their lives as they go on in life” says the coordinator of FEYReP, Mrs Ime Inyang.
Reacting to the gesture, Mrs Emmanuella Friday, the Principal of Community Secondary School, Ikot Inyang said “For the sake of the future of the girl child, it is important to sustain this sensitization efforts by FEYReP and other stakeholders. This will optimize hope and bring about a paradigm shift in the fortunes of the girl child who is still vulnerable and endangered in the 21st century world”.

The Founder of Family Empowerment and Youth Reorientation Path-Initiative (FEYReP), Dr (Mrs.) Martha Udom Emmanuel, during a sensitization session at her Alma Mater, Conellia Connelly College reiterated the need for the girl child to abstain from premarital sexual relationships, saying; “the prevalence of teenage pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases among teenage girls in the state is worrisome and needs to be checked”.

Dr Emmanuel while interacting with the girls on the topic: CONSEQUENCES OF PREMARITAL SEX, admonished the students against indulging in sexual behaviors early in life. The First Lady cautioned the students against engaging in unruly behaviors that could be detrimental to their future, adding that as young girls, they were expected to control their urges.

She further advised the female students to be vigilant and avoid sex predators in their respective areas and report to authorities in case of any abuse. She however encouraged them to study hard and be focused in life as these were the prerequisites for a successful life.