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No fewer than 1000 secondary school girls have been lectured on menstrual health in Ondo State to prevent cervical cancer and other related diseases.
The state government, through the office of the state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr. Seun Osamaye, invited health experts to lecture the students on how to handle their menstrual health with or without their parents’ assistance.
Mrs. Aarinola Adamolekun, one of the resource persons, put the students through on personal hygiene and healthy living.
Adamolekun, who is a full-time member of the Ondo State Hospital Management Board, enlightened the students on the risks of not being hygienic, particularly in terms of menstrual health.
The event was part of programmes set aside by the Ministry in commemoration of the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child.
While flagging off the initiative, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, the state Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, explained that the state government is investing in the future of the children through quality education.
He noted that the lectures being delivered by the resource persons were significant to the health of the students and their future.
Prof. Ajibefun, therefore, charged the students to make use of what they were taught for their benefit and share the same with their friends who were not present at the event.
In her address, the state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr. Seun Osamaye, explained that the ministry was championing digital literacy training to prepare girls in secondary schools in the state for the opportunities of the modern age.
According to her, 18 secondary schools were invited to the programme across the state.
She said: “Every year, this celebration reminds us of the incredible potential that lies within every girl. It also reminds us of our collective responsibility, as parents, leaders, teachers, and advocates, to create a world where girls are not limited by gender, poverty, or societal stereotypes.
“Here in Ondo State, under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, and the supportive passion of Her Excellency, the First Lady, Mrs. Esther Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa, we continue to prioritize initiatives that empower girls, ensuring that no girl is left behind in technology, education, health, or any other opportunity so that our state becomes a place where every girl can dream freely, live confidently, and achieve greatness.
“This year’s theme “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontlines of Crisis”, gives us the opportunity to reflect on the extraordinary strength of the girl child and their impacts even in face of challenges.
“Girls are not just beneficiaries of development or victims but they are powerful drivers of change, creating a better and safer world.
“Around the world, girls often face crises such as poverty, gender-based violence, early marriage, limited access to education, and menstrual stigma. Yet despite these challenges, many girls continue to stand strong at the frontlines of education, health, leadership, and innovation.
“This year’s initiative, ‘Tech a Girl; Pad a Girl Child, speaks directly to two critical needs of our time: digital empowerment and menstrual hygiene. Through today’s event, our ministry is championing digital literacy training to prepare girls for the opportunities of the modern age, while also promoting menstrual health and dignity through the distribution of 5,000 sanitary pads to selected secondary school girls across Ondo State.
“These are great investments in the future of our girls, our communities, and our state.
“To every girl seated here today, I want you to know this: You are loved. You are strong. You are valuable. And you are capable of leading change, no matter where you find yourself.
“The theme, ‘The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead,’ is a call to action, to believe in your identity, use your voice, and rise as a solution-bearer in times of crisis.
Do not let fear or doubt stop you from dreaming big. Embrace learning. Lead with kindness. Support one another and always remember, your gender is not a limitation; it is a strength that carries grace, wisdom, and resilience.
“As we mark this important day, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to our partners, speakers, volunteers, and every individual working tirelessly to uplift the girl child.
“Together, we are raising a new generation of confident, healthy, and digitally equipped young women who will continue to lead change on the frontlines of life’s challenges.”
Also, the Chairman of Ondo State Information Technology Agency, SITA, Tomide Akinribido, lectured the students on STEM education.
He encouraged them to be steadfast in their studies for a brighter future.
The students in attendance went home with 5000 sanitary pads and other incentives distributed to them by Dr. Osamaye at the end of the event.
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