ITF DG distributes sanitary pads, hygiene kits to 2,500 Ondo school girls

The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Industrial Training Fund, Dr Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun, on Monday distributed free sanitary pads and hygiene materials to about 2,500 school girls in Ikare-Akoko, Ondo State, as part of activities marking the 2026 World Menstrual Hygiene Day.

The outreach, themed “Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld,” was organised to promote menstrual hygiene awareness, tackle period poverty and encourage adolescent girls to embrace proper personal hygiene without fear or stigma.

Beneficiaries of the initiative included students of Mount Carmel Girls Secondary School, Ikare-Akoko, and Ansarudeen Grammar School, Oke-Igbe, Ikare-Akoko.

Items distributed to the students included sanitary pads, toothbrushes, toothpaste, detergents, bathing soaps, pants and roll-on deodorants.

The programme was organised in partnership with the Society Development Foundation for Women and Children.

Speaking through the Convener of the Pad A Girl Initiative, Precious Olofinyokun, Ogun said the intervention was aimed at restoring confidence and dignity to girls who struggle to afford sanitary products during their menstrual periods.

He noted that poor access to menstrual hygiene materials had continued to affect the health, emotional wellbeing and academic performance of many female students across the country.

According to him, empowering girls with proper menstrual health education and sanitary products would boost their confidence, improve school attendance and encourage active participation in academic and social activities.

Ogun also said the initiative formed part of broader efforts to support girl-child education, gender inclusion and the campaign against societal stigma surrounding menstruation.

He urged the students to maintain good hygiene, remain focused on their education and avoid distractions capable of affecting their future ambitions.

In her remarks, a representative of the Society Development Foundation for Women and Children commended the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention targeted at addressing period poverty at the grassroots.

Some of the beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the gesture, saying the materials distributed would reduce the financial burden on their parents amid the current economic realities.

The event also featured health talks and interactive sessions on menstrual hygiene management, reproductive health, self-confidence and personal care for adolescent girls.