An Oyo State–based non-governmental organisation, Twenty-One Five Child Foundation (T1FF), on Monday marked International Women’s Day 2026 by distributing delivery kits to pregnant teenagers in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
The outreach programme, held at the Town Planning Health Centre, Ring Road, Ibadan, brought together teenage expectant mothers under the age of 20 from different communities across Ibadan.
The initiative formed part of the Twenty-One Five Child Foundation’s ongoing campaign to sensitise pregnant teenagers on safe pregnancy practices, procedures for healthy delivery, and life after childbirth.
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Project Lead of T1FF, Mrs. Antonia, stated that the organisation, established in 2023, had conducted several training programs aimed at empowering vulnerable young people.
According to her, the foundation focuses on empowerment and support for teenagers, engagement of young girls and boys, and advocacy against gender discrimination.
“We started in 2023, but officially launched in 2024 and since then we have carried out several training sessions and programmes that have positively impacted many lives. Our core values include empowerment, support, and engagement of young people, while also working to eradicate gender-based discrimination,” she said.
Representing the state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs. Igeyin commended the foundation for its commitment to helping pregnant teenagers navigate the emotional and life-changing challenges they face.
She urged the young expectant mothers not to lose hope or abandon their dreams after childbirth, adding that the state government, under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, has created platforms to support young women dealing with parental challenges, unwanted pregnancies, and other social issues.
Founder of T1FF, Ambassador Tolu Taiwo, shared her personal experience of becoming pregnant at the age of 18 and the challenges she faced, including stigma and family pressure.
She encouraged the teenagers to remain determined and focused on building better futures for themselves despite their current circumstances.
“You all have a second chance to achieve your dreams. Do not allow your present situation to discourage you. Your families and society still need you, especially at a time like this,” she said.
Also speaking at the programme, the founder of Gender Alive Foundation, Mrs. Jadesola Ajibola, urged the young mothers not to allow their present condition to define their future.
According to her, their experiences should serve as motivation to strive for greater achievements in life.
Beneficiaries of the delivery kits were drawn from several communities in Ibadan, including Foko, Bode, Isale Osi, Agbokojo, and Adifase.
One of the beneficiaries, Usman Ganiyat, narrated how she became pregnant after consuming a Smirnoff Vodka drink during a visit to a man’s residence, an experience she described as a turning point in her life.
She said rejection from her family forced her to live with the man responsible for the pregnancy, adding that she had struggled emotionally since the incident.
However, she noted that the counselling sessions and life experiences shared during the T1FF programme had renewed her hope.
“I feel relieved after attending this programme. I have decided to learn a skill after giving birth so I can rebuild my life and become successful in the future,” she said.
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