As part of its activities to commemorate this year’s International Day for the Girl Child, Peace Oladiran Foundation (POF), has distributed sanitary pads to female students of NUT Model Secondary School, Apata.
The Coordinator of the foundation and convener of the programme, Miss Peace Oladiran used the occasion to sensitize the students on the importance of menstruation, common symptoms, menstrual hygiene tips, and how to manage cramps and discomfort attached to it.
The sensitization programme was held at NUT Model School, Owoade Apata on Wednesday, October 22nd, 2025.
Addressing the students on the theme ‘My Body, My Pride, Empowering Teens with Knowledge on Menstrual Health, Reproductive Right and Hygiene’, Miss Oladiran, said that menstruation is a normal part of the female reproductive system, describing it as a monthly flow out of blood and tissue from the body of a girl.
She disclosed that understanding of menstrual health provides opportunities to prevent infections, manage discomfort and give the sign of good health in the female reproductive system.
Miss Oladiran identified lower abdominal pain, mood swing and irritability, bloating and breast tenderness, fatigue and headache or back pain as well as acne or skin changes as some of the symptoms attached to menstruation.
Speaking on menstrual hygiene tips, She urged the students to regularly change their pads within four to six hours to prevent infections and bad smell, keep of private part clean and dry by taking bath twice a day with clean water, wash and dry their reusable pads properly and disposed them properly after use.
“Whether you’re using disposable pads or reusable ones, make sure you change them every 4 to 6 hours even if they’re not completely full. This helps to prevent infections, bad smell, and keeps you feeling fresh. Leaving a pad on for too long can cause bacteria to grow, which might lead to itching, rashes, or even urinary tract infections.
“Wash and dry reusable pads properly, If you use reusable pads or cloth, wash them with clean water and mild soap immediately after use. Don’t hide them in dark, damp corners instead; dry them properly under the sun. The sunlight helps kill germs and keeps them safe for reuse.
“Always bathe at least twice daily during your period. Use clean water to wash the private area. No need for special soaps or perfumes, as they can cause irritation. After washing, gently pat the area dry with a clean towel or tissue and never throw used pads anywhere, wrap them in paper or nylon and put them in a waste bin. Don’t flush pads down the toilet; it can block the drainage system. Let’s also keep our environment clean, good hygiene is part of being a responsible girl,” Miss Oladiran advised.
She implored that they should seek medical attention if their menstruation lasted beyond the maximum of seven days, excessive pain or heavy bleeding and irregular or missed menstruation.
Appreciating Peace Oladiran Foundation on behalf of the school management, Mrs. Olalere Ester, who is the Head of Department, Arts and Humanitarian, described the sensitization programme as a success and timely for the students.
While acknowledging that students have learnt and benefited a lot from the programme, appealed to the organizers not to relent in their efforts in sensitizing the young girls and also extend the gesture to other schools, emphasizing that the programme has enlightened the students more about menstruation and its management.
In her motherly advice, the mother of the convener of the programme, Town Planner (Dr.) Oladiran Olaide, said that though menstruation might come with various inconveniences, urged the students to always take good care of their body during their menstruation time. She said that it is a sacred thing and a unique quality God used to differentiate women.
Packaged by Adekunle Adegboyega
