Senate Council of National Association of Kwara State Students (NAKSS), National Headquarters, staged a Girl-Child Hygiene and Empowerment Outreach at Government Girls Day Secondary School, Pakata, Ilorin, distributing sanitary pads to students and teachers to promote menstrual health and self-confidence among young girls.
The programme was organised to honour the First Lady of Kwara State, Professor Olufolake AbdulRazaq, for her sustained contributions to the welfare of the girl-child.
It also received support from the wife of the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and the wife of the Speaker, Kwara State House of Assembly, Mrs Sa’adah Yakubu Danladi, who have inspired similar initiatives in the State.
According to the Senate President of NAKSS, Sen Issa Abdullahi-Biogera, the outreach aimed to ensure that menstruation does not hinder academic performance, stressing the importance of confidence and self-awareness for every student.
He emphasised the association’s commitment to creating supportive and healthy learning environments for female students.
The educational component of the programme featured two lectures, the first, delivered by the Special Advisor to the Senate President on Gender, Nurse Ibrahim Nana-Khadijah, focused on the menstrual cycle, explaining its phases, significance, and impact on young girls’ health.
Nurse Khadijat engaged the students in interactive discussions, enlightening them about personal care and dispelling misconceptions surrounding menstruation.
The second lecture provided practical guidance on menstrual hygiene management, teaching students how to maintain cleanliness, use sanitary materials safely, and adopt healthy practices during menstruation.
The school management commended the presentations, particularly the visible visuals, noting their clarity and educational value.
Sanitary pads were distributed to both students and female teachers, reinforcing the message that access to menstrual hygiene products is essential for dignity and uninterrupted education.
The Senate President reiterated that such initiatives are part of a broader commitment to girl-child empowerment and pledged continued support for similar programmes in other schools across Kwara State.
Observers noted that programmes like this are crucial in ensuring that young girls pursue their education without limitations.
