The Director General and Chief Executive of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun, on Monday distributed free sanitary pads to no fewer than 2,500 school girls in Ikare Akoko, Ondo State, as part of activities marking the 2026 World Menstrual Hygiene Day celebration.
The initiative, tagged “Together for A #PeriodFriendlyWorld,” was aimed at promoting menstrual hygiene awareness, combating period poverty and encouraging young girls to embrace proper personal hygiene practices without shame or discrimination.
Items distributed included, Toothbrush
Toothpaste,Detergent, Bathing soap,Pants
Roll on and 12 sanitary pads.
The outreach, organized in partnership with the Society Development Foundation for Women and Children (SODEF) had students of Mount Carmel Girls Secondary School Ikare Akoko and Ansarudeen Grammar School Oke-Igbe Ikare-Akoko as beneficiaries.
The event drew participation from education stakeholders, women advocates and community leaders within the Akoko axis of Ondo State.
Speaking at the event through the Convener of Pad A Girl Initiative, Precious Olofinyokun, Ogun said the programme was designed to restore confidence and dignity to young girls, especially those who struggle to afford sanitary products during their menstrual cycle.
He noted that menstrual hygiene remains a critical aspect of girl-child development, stressing that many female students miss classes or suffer emotional trauma due to lack of access to sanitary materials and proper education on menstrual health.
According to him, empowering girls with sanitary products and the right knowledge would not only improve their health and self-esteem but also enhance their academic performance and participation in school activities.
Ogun further stated that the initiative aligned with broader efforts to promote gender inclusion, support girl-child education and eliminate societal stigma associated with menstruation.
He urged the students to maintain good hygiene habits, remain focused on their education and resist every form of distraction capable of jeopardizing their future aspirations.
In her remarks, the representative of the Society Development Foundation for Women and Children (SODEF), the partner organisation for the programme, commended the sponsor for investing in the wellbeing of adolescent girls and addressing the challenge of period poverty at the grassroots level.
The organisation explained that the campaign was also intended to create awareness about menstrual health management and encourage open conversations around menstruation in schools and communities.
Some of the beneficiaries, who expressed appreciation for the gesture, described the intervention as timely and impactful, saying the free sanitary pads would ease the burden on their parents amid prevailing economic challenges.
Teachers and school administrators at the two beneficiary schools also lauded the initiative, noting that many girls silently face difficulties during their menstrual periods, which often affects their concentration and attendance in school.
The event featured health talks on menstrual hygiene management, distribution of sanitary pads and interactive sessions where the students were educated on personal care, reproductive health and the importance of confidence and self-worth among adolescent girls.
