The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has encouraged adolescents not to shield their violators, rather they should expose them.

It also called on the Nigerian governments and other relevant stakeholders to deepen their support for platforms that are critically instrumental to the well-being and productive growth of adolescents.

According to the UN agency, one of the strategic means that young girls and boys could be encouraged to aspire for greatness and reflect on issues that affect their lives positively is for governments to budget for the future of the adolescents.

Ngozi Izuora-Songu, the Adolescent Development Specialist of UNICEF, gave this charge during a programme tagged: “YES! GIRL Watch Session” held in Osogbo, Osun State. UNICEF brought together girls and boys aged between 9 and 19 from different schools in Osun to watch a 10-episode video podcast series created by adolescent girls, for adolescent girls across Nigeria.

The initiative was designed to amplify the voices, experiences, and aspirations of adolescent girls across Nigeria. At the Osogbo Cinema where the episodes were showcased, issues surrounding the need for adolescents to speak up against harmful practices and assault were discussed, after which the participants expressed themselves freely, asked bold questions, and tackled real-life challenges they are confronting after each episode.

Izuora-Songu further called on all stakeholders —government, media, civil society, and communities— to continue supporting platforms that center girls’ voices and ensure that no girl is left unheard.

According to her, Nigeria is home to over 40 million adolescents, nearly half of whom are girls. She said many girls continue to face barriers, including limited access to education, harmful gender norms, early marriage, and inadequate access to accurate health information. “For example, millions of girls are still out of school, and many lack safe platforms to express themselves or seek guidance on issues affecting their wellbeing,” she added.

The UNICEF specialist then tasked governments to prioritise the needs of adolescents whenever they are making budgets, noting that when there are spaces, facilities and channels for adolescents to freely access, share their stories and get counsels, their future would be more secure and brighter.

She said: “Nigeria houses a huge population of young voices, whose needs and aspiration must be captured. Government budgets must reflect the needs and aspirations of these adolescents and our governments should know that as they budget for these young girls and boys, they budget for the future.”

“This is where initiatives like Yes! Girl become critical. By combining storytelling with real-life experiences, the podcast helps bridge information gaps, challenge harmful norms, and inspire girls to see themselves as leaders and change-makers.

The watch session takes this a step further, transforming passive listening into active engagement, where girls can ask questions, share their stories, and build confidence in their voices.

The impact we are already seeing is encouraging. Girls who engage with this platform demonstrate increased awareness, stronger self-expression, and a greater willingness to participate in decisions affecting their lives. Equally important, it creates an opportunity for parents, educators, and community leaders to listen—truly listen—to girls.

Our key message today is simple but powerful: When girls are given a voice, they do not just speak—they lead, they inspire, and they transform their communities.

We call on all stakeholders—government, media, civil society, and communities—to continue supporting platforms that center girls’ voices and ensure that no girl is left unheard,” she said.