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The Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC) on Tuesday launched the SRHR News Update and SRHR Naija Hub, a digital information platform aimed at expanding access to accurate sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) information for adolescents and girls across Nigeria.
The launch which took place in Ikeja, Lagos, bringing together policymakers, health professionals, legislators and civil society actors committed to improving SRHR outcomes nationwide.
Speaking at the event, WARDC’s Acting Executive Director, Dr Princess Olufemi Kayode, said the new platforms were designed to close persistent information gaps and ensure that young people, advocates and decision-makers have access to credible, evidence-based SRHR content.
“The SRHR News Update and Naija Hub are strategic tools to amplify reliable information, challenge harmful narratives and support informed decision-making on sexual and reproductive health issues affecting women and girls,” she said.
Providing an overview of the initiative, Senior Programme Officer, Peace Etugbo, explained that the SRHR News Update would focus on public-interest reporting, policy accountability and public education, while the Naija Hub would serve as a central digital resource for SRHR-related information.
She noted that the platforms would also counter misinformation and support advocacy efforts by civil society organisations, journalists and young people working in the SRHR space.
Founder of WARDC, Dr Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, emphasised the role of sustained advocacy and media engagement in advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights, noting that access to accurate information remains critical to reducing maternal mortality, addressing adolescent health challenges and promoting gender equality.
The event attracted key stakeholders, including Hon. Abimbola, a member of the Ekiti State House of Assembly; an Adviser to the Lagos State Governor; Ahmed Abubakar Muhammad Luggerewo, Speaker of the Gombe State House of Assembly; Prof. Azubuike Onyebuchi, Secretary General of the Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria (SOGON); Dr Adekule Azim Ashimi, former Ogun State Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA); and Ganiyu Olamilekan Lawal, Editor and Web Consultant for the SRHR News Update.
In his address at the launch, Speaker of the Gombe State House of Assembly, Ahmed Abubakar Muhammad Luggerewo, described the SRHR News Update as timely, noting that sexual and reproductive health challenges remain closely linked to maternal mortality, adolescent health concerns and limited access to healthcare services, particularly in rural communities.
He said platforms such as the SRHR News Update would promote informed public discourse, strengthen accountability and support evidence-based policymaking on issues affecting women and girls.
The Speaker also reaffirmed the commitment of the Gombe State House of Assembly to strengthening laws and policies that expand access to quality healthcare and protect the rights of women, girls and other underserved groups.
Organisers expressed confidence that the SRHR News Update and Naija Hub would emerge as trusted national resources for advocacy, policymaking and public education on sexual and reproductive health and rights in Nigeria.
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