APC governorship candidate’s wife donates sanitary pads, advocates menstrual hygiene in Osun

Hundreds of teenage girls in Apomu Kingdom, Osun State, received free menstrual pads and health education on Tuesday as the wife of an APC governorship candidate distributed 2,000 sanitary pads.

Mrs Sekinat Bola-Oyebamiji, who also serves as President of the Medical Women Association of Nigeria, Osun State chapter, carried out the donation during a community outreach focused on menstrual hygiene and the welfare of the girl-child.

According to a statement released after the event, the beneficiaries were also taught the proper use and disposal of sanitary products, as well as the broader importance of menstrual hygiene.

The statement noted that menstrual hygiene is a critical health concern for growing girls, and the lack of resources can make the experience overwhelming. It added that equipping girls with appropriate knowledge and orientation helps them function effectively in society and reduces school absenteeism linked to the stigma surrounding menstruation.

The event, which took place at Alapomu Hall in Apomu, was organised by Olori Janet Afolabi, the Queen of Apomu Kingdom and an award-winning CNN journalist. She described period poverty as a major cause of absenteeism among girls in rural communities.

“The 2,000 pads will last for months for many of the girls. But the education aspect is what will stay with the students for life. Menstrual education is an investment in leadership,” she was quoted as saying.

Students from both public and private secondary schools across the town attended the outreach. An interactive session led by nurses and female educators covered menstrual hygiene, debunking common myths, and building confidence around puberty. School principals present at the event commended the initiative.