Over 400 Kogi Schoolgirls Receive Free Sanitary Pads, Self-Esteem Training

By Joseph Sunday

Egbe, Kogi State — Over 400 female students from 20 secondary schools in Kogi State have benefited from a menstrual health and self-esteem empowerment program organized to support young women.

The sensitization seminar was held on Thursday in Egbe, Yagba West Local Government Area, and was organized by the Firstmade Community Drive Foundation. The initiative focused on menstrual hygiene, self-worth, dignity, and leadership.

Speaking at the event, the Founder of the Foundation, Mr. Olufemi Olusanya, said early investment in the girl-child is critical to building a stronger society.

“We are living in a society where a girl today is a mother tomorrow. We are here to help them learn how to maintain their dignity,” Olusanya said.

“As girls, they have to keep their bodies clean, they have to stay in school, and they have to have self-esteem. These are things that will help them maintain confidence among their peers, because a girl you don’t train today will not become a good woman tomorrow.”

Also speaking, Mrs. Sam Osagbemi Petra said empowering girls has a multiplier effect on society.

“When you empower a girl, you empower a future yet unborn. A girl will grow up to be a mother, and these are the people who will become leaders tomorrow — administrators and so on. Giving them education will help them own their bodies, and it goes a long way,” she said.

Guest speakers charged the students to build confidence and protect their dignity.

Mrs. Ogunjobi Bosede urged the girls to place value on themselves.

“The girls have to place value on themselves to avoid being vulnerable. Some people in society, especially the opposite sex, are looking for lives to destroy,” she said.

Similarly, Mrs. Abiodun Oluwakemi said, “She should place value on herself and have confidence in herself in order not to be molested.”

In her lecture, Mrs. Christiana Sunday called for greater family and societal support for the girl-child.

“Society must be fair to the girl-child. In this part of the world, they should accept the girl-child as a normal human being created specially and differently from men, because God ordained it to be so. Secondly, parents must recognise the girl-child as a blessing from God. A girl is a nation,” she said.

The program received strong backing from community and government leaders.

Representing the Vice Chairman of Yagba West LGA, Mrs. Fatimah Jubril linked menstrual hygiene to academic confidence.

“Young girls must be hygienic; it gives them confidence and makes them comfortable while receiving lectures and learning. Giving them pads is a good push towards this,” she said.

The wife of the Elegbe of Egbe, Olori Ibilola Irukera, called for a holistic approach to raising girls.

“The girl should be prepared socially, spiritually, and economically. When you pad a girl, you empower her and teach her how to manage herself,” she stated.

The Education Secretary of Yagba West LGA, Mr. Michael Ogunjobi, said the girl-child requires special attention.

“The girl-child needs deeper care than the male child because they go through a monthly biological process that their male counterparts do not experience,” he said.

The Principal of Totcombe College, Egbe, Mr. John Ajayi, commended the Foundation for bringing the program to the community, noting that it helped students understand their bodies and build self-esteem.

Some beneficiaries shared what they learned.

“I learned about personal hygiene and menstrual health. I learned that I am special, I am valued, and I need to be respected,” said Philip Judith.

“I learnt we should keep ourselves clean,” said Idowu Folorunsho.

Ibukun Ekundayo added, “I learned a lot — that as a female, don’t be ashamed of yourself, have confidence in yourself.”

Christina John said, “I learned a lot of things from this program, and I want to appreciate the organizers of this great initiative. Our school will not take it for granted.”

The event ended with the distribution of free sanitary packs to all 400 participants.