A non-governmental organisation, Priceless Jewels International Foundation, has reached hundreds of secondary school girls in Lagos and Ogun states through its 2026 Menstrual Hygiene Day campaign aimed at promoting menstrual health awareness and ending period stigma.
The outreach, led by the foundation’s founder, Rosemary Awojobi Modupe, was held at Oriwu Junior Model College, Ikorodu, Lagos, and Patterson Memorial Secondary School, Abeokuta, Ogun State, where girls received menstrual hygiene education, counselling and sanitary pads.
Speaking during the programme, Awojobi described the initiative as the fulfilment of a dream that began nearly three decades ago when she was a student at Oriwu Junior Model College.
According to her, an organisation visited her school many years ago to distribute sanitary pads, an experience that left a lasting impression and inspired her desire to support young girls facing similar challenges.
“That moment planted a dream in me. Returning to Oriwu after 23 years to do the same for another generation of girls, in the very school where the dream was birthed, was deeply emotional and fulfilling,” she said.
The campaign, organised to commemorate Menstrual Hygiene Day 2026, focused on educating girls about proper menstrual hygiene, dispelling myths surrounding menstruation, promoting self-discipline and creating safe spaces for young people to ask questions without fear or embarrassment.
At Oriwu Junior Model College, all junior secondary school classes participated in the programme, while girls at Patterson Memorial Secondary School were also engaged in interactive sessions on menstrual health and personal development.
Reflecting on the outreach, Awojobi said several important lessons emerged from interactions with the students.
She noted that many girls still hold misconceptions about menstruation, stressing the need for continuous education to counter harmful myths.
She also emphasised the importance of creating safe and welcoming environments where girls can openly discuss issues affecting their health and development.
“They have questions. We must create avenues where they can ask freely and receive accurate information,” she said.
Awojobi further observed that young people are often more informed than adults assume, urging parents, teachers and caregivers to guide them with truthful and age-appropriate information.
She advised adults not to dismiss the curiosity of adolescents but rather listen carefully and provide wise counsel.
As part of her message to the students, she encouraged abstinence and responsible decision-making, stressing that sexual activity is meant for married adults and should not be viewed as a solution to menstrual discomfort.
“The smiles on those girls’ faces brought peace and fulfillment to my soul,” she added.
The foundation said the outreaches were successful, with hundreds of girls benefiting from menstrual hygiene education and sanitary pad distribution as part of efforts to improve menstrual health management among adolescents.
