…Kwara Chapter’s Transformative Health Walk***

Introduction

Sexual health is a basic human right that transcends geographical and demographic boundaries. It incorporates not only physical health, but also emotional and social aspects, making it imperative that individuals have access to accurate and comprehensive information in order to make informed decisions regarding their sexual and reproductive health. Recognising this, the Kwara State Chapter of the Slum and Rural Health Initiative (SRHIN) embarked on a mission to empower communities through an innovative sexual health walk conducted on September 2, 2023.

*Volunteers from the Kwara State Slum and Rural Health Initiative Chapter

Sexual health is a basic human right that transcends geographical and demographic boundaries. It incorporates not only physical health, but also emotional and social aspects, making it imperative that individuals have access to accurate and comprehensive information in order to make informed decisions regarding their sexual and reproductive health. Recognising this, the Kwara State Chapter of the Slum and Rural Health Initiative (SRHIN) embarked on a mission to empower communities through an innovative sexual health walk conducted on September 2, 2023.

Dispelling Misconceptions and Fostering Awareness

*Volunteers educating community members on safe sex

The primary objective of this initiative was to educate community members about the critical significance of sexual health. The health walk sought to dispel the prevalent myths and misconceptions surrounding sexual lifestyles, which have resulted in a broad range of negative outcomes, including the spread of disease, early pregnancy, and a lack of sexual satisfaction. SRHIN intended to bridge this information gap and empower individuals to take charge of their sexual health through open communication channels, engaging debates, and widespread broadcasts.

Educating Women About Condoms and Promoting Safe Practises

The distribution of crucial information regarding the use of female contraceptives was one of the most significant components of the walk. SRHIN identified the importance of empowering individuals, notably women, with the knowledge and tools necessary for their sexual health and well-being. In addition, male and female condoms were distributed to encourage community members to adopt secure sexual practices.

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*Volunteers educating the community in their local language.

By providing access to these preventative measures, SRHIN made a proactive step towards preventing sexually transmitted diseases and unintended pregnancies.

Emphasizing Consent and Breaking Taboos

Consent is essential for a healthy sexual relationship. By emphasising the significance of a clear and unequivocal “yes,” the initiative aimed to empower individuals to establish and respect their partners’ boundaries. Additionally, the health walk is intended to eliminate sex-related social taboos and stigmas.  The health walk endeavored to create an environment of acceptance and equality in which open dialogues about sexual health are not only encouraged but prioritized.

Redefining Pleasure: Debunking Misconceptions

SRHIN also aimed to challenge prevailing myths about sexual pleasure. It emphasized that pleasure is not a performance-based goal, but rather an exploration of one’s body and an understanding of their partner’s desires and boundaries. The initiative debunked the notion that sexual enjoyment is solely dependent on penetration, emphasising that oral sex and other forms of stimulation can also lead to gratification. In addition, SRHIN debunked the myth that women cannot experience orgasms as readily as men, emphasising that orgasmic ability varies from person to person and may necessitate different types of stimulation.

Conclusion

By providing accurate information to communities, dispelling misconceptions, and advocating for safe practices, SRHIN has taken a significant step towards empowering individuals to make informed decisions regarding their sexual health. Through open conversations, the initiative has fostered a culture of acceptance and equality by dismantling sex-related taboos and stigmas. Thus, SRHIN has paved the way for healthier, better-informed communities in which sexual health is recognised as a fundamental human right.

*Learn more about SRHIN at https://srhin.org/

Hundreds of motorists and passengers going to Mile 2 were on Saturday stranded as flood from morning downpour disrupted free movement on the Trade Fair and Abule -Ado axis of the Lagos- Badagry Expressway.

The resultant flood from the downpour also blocked the trade fair axis, temporarily impeding the movement of vehicles on the expressway.

NAN also reports that the rainfall, which started at 5.00 a.m. and continued for hours, forced many passengers to come down from commercial vehicles and resort to trekking from Abule-Ado to Barracks in Ojo.

Some passengers and motorists urged the Lagos State Government to clear the drainage to avert such flood incidents.

*Lagos State Governor, Sanwo-Olu

Mrs Ibironke Adegboyega, a trader in Ebute-Aro, Lagos Island, said that the flood had prevented her from going to open her shop.

*Another passenger trying to cross from one side of Lagos Badagry expressway to the other during the downpour on Saturday.

“The flood has completely blocked the expressway, some vehicles that tried to access the road had been trapped in the flood.

“The drainage is blocked by plastics and nylon preventing the passage of the water.

“Lagos government should wake up to its responsibility and clear the drainage, they should also warn the traders against indiscriminate dumping of refuse.

“I have to go back home now because it is dangerous to force your way in there due to the flood,” she said.

*Commuters trekking due to flood caused the morning downpour  in Lagos

Mr Toyosi Stephen, a passenger, said the blockage of the expressway was due to the way the contractor handling the project constructed the road.

“One will see that from Abule-Ado down to the Trade fair axis is very sloppy making water to gather under the bridge.

“This also applies to when you are coming from Barracks down to Trade fair, so the water coming from Abule-Ado and Barracks will gather at trade fair and block the movement of vehicles and passengers.

“Government should work on this and also ensure clearing of drainage around this place all the time.

“I have been trapped here, I have to go back to Agbara and sleep,” he said.

*The blockage at the Trade fair axis of Lagos Badagry expressway.

Mr Mutiu Suru, a bus conductor, said the flood would reduce when the rain stopped and that vehicles and passengers would be able to move freely on the expressway.

“The rain is heavy, that’s why the flood blocked the road, but I can tell you that in an hour’s time, vehicles will start going.

“All we need to do is to exercise patience and relax in our vehicles,” he said.

NAN reports that the floods also affected communities in Badagry including Mowo, Ikoga, Ansarudeen, Ajara-Vetho, Aghelaso, and Zogakome areas.

• NAN

 …To announce new dates later***

Due to the heavy downpour experienced in all parts of the Metropolis today, the Lagos State Government has announced the postponement of the planned Two Sundays palliative works on the failed sections of the 3rd Mainland Bridge, which was scheduled for tomorrow, Sunday 17th, and Sunday 24th September 2023.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi who confirmed this in a release, explained that the rain has affected the preliminaries of the planned palliative works on the asphalt pavement of the bridge by the Lagos State Public Works Corporation.

Assuring that a later date which will be subject to weather conditions will be duly communicated for the palliative works, the Transport Commissioner urged Motorists to continue to access the bridge with observance of safety measures.