EGUHUO – The Good Living Initiative, a non-governmental organisation based in Lagos, on Monday warned against the exposure of youths to pornography as the society battles with the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
Mrs Sussie Metu, the organisation’s Executive Director, gave the warning at the Community Secondary School, Eguhuo in Ishiellu Local Government Area of Ebonyi during its sensitisation of students on the dangers of the infection and early marriage.
According to her, the influx of pornographic materials in the markets, stalls and homes have contributed to the prevalence of the infection which have caused untold hardship to the infected.
“When youths watch pornographic materials for instance, their sensitive parts are stimulated and they tend to practise what they viewed by engaging in indiscriminate sex.
“The arousal also leads to unhealthy sex practices such as masturbation, which is compounded by the unwillingness of parents to discuss sex-related issues with their wards,” she said.
Metu regretted that the various video and print censorship bodies in the country were not living up to their responsibilities as uncensored materials still found their way into the markets.
“It is disheartening to see children watching films dominated by erotic scenes, as majority of films in the country mostly contain such scenes.
“These days, most television stations show films meant for adults as early as 4 p.m. when most children are glued to television sets in their homes.
“It is also sad to see men urinating indiscriminately in open places in the full glare of children instead of urinating in hidden places to avoid exposing their genitals,” she said.
Metu advised the students to shun pre-marital sex due to its inherent dangers but concentrate on their studies to achieve their life ambitions.
Rev. Joseph Agbo, a director in the organisation, advised young girls in particular to protect their virginity since it was their pride that would make them valuable before their husbands.
He also advised them to resist all pressure from their parents and guardians to engage in early marriage, noting that it would debar them from achieving their life ambitions.
“You should instead educate them on the dangers of early marriage and engage in meaningful ventures that will sustain you till you are ripe for marriage.
“Early marriage causes various health risks which include visico virginal fistula, womb rupture and dropping out of school,” he said.
Miss Patricia Onuoha, one of the students, thanked the organisation for the gesture and advised youths who had been exposed to early sex to undergo HIV/AIDS test.
Students used the occasion to ask questions on sex-related issues including homosexuality and lesbianism. (NAN)
