Nigerian-based nonprofit, Queen Yetunde Olofintade (QYO) Foundation hosted its inaugural transformative program “Pad A Girl Initiative,” focused on health and wellness talk, distribution of sanitary pads, and menstrual hygiene sensitization on May 28, 2025 marking a significant step towards empowering teenage girls in its region.
The nonprofit addressed invited schools, which included female students from Do-Estdot International School, and Larb College, helping them to reinforce their confidence towards treating menstruation as a natural process, and not a source of shame. The program was held at the Area M Police Command Hall, Pipeline Bus Stop, Isheri Olofin, Lagos State, Nigeria.
QYO Foundation announced the event for the first time last month, stating that it was designed to break the stigma surrounding menstruation, and provide free sanitary pads to female students, enabling them to pursue education and opportunities without limitations.
The founder of the nonprofit, Her Royal Highness Queen Yetunde Olofintade Lawal-Bello, in her opening speech emphasised the need for a continuous conversation on menstrual health. She pointed out that when people speak openly and act collectively, a world where girls can manage their periods safely, confidently, and without shame can be created.
“To break the silence around menstrual health is to ensure that no girl is pad-starved,” she said to a representative of TheAfricanDream.net at the event. According to her, providing girls with free sanitary pads is a significant and impactful endeavour, indicating that the foundation’s inaugural event is the first of similar programs already in plan, according to her statement to Ilefo TV.
The event was welcomed by community leaders, attracting important figures, including His Royal Majesty, Dr. Ibrahim Olasunkanmi Lawal-Bello (CoP), King of Isheri Olofin Kingdom, Alimosho; Alhaja Abeni Moriamo Lawal-Bello, the king’s mother; Chief Mrs Ajanaku (Yeye Atayese), the queen’s mother; and Olori Rebecca Temitope Oloko, Queen of Iwaya Yaba Kingdom.
Palace chiefs from Isheri Kingdom were in attendance including Alhaja Ayoola, Chief Yeye Sobaloju of Isheri Olofin; Chief Mrs. Fatimoh Balogun, Iya Abiye of Isheri Olofin; Chief Iyadun of Onisheri of Isheri, Yeye Oge of Iyewure Oloko Estate; and Chief Mrs Afolashade Adejayan, Iyaloja of Isheri Kingdom.
It had support and security from the regional police, that was represented at the event by ASP Bilikis Abiola Sulaimon, ASP S.O Muritala, and ASP Ajibade, on behalf of ACP Abaniwonda Tokunbo (Area Commander).
The program featured three key speakers who reaffirmed the initiative’s educational goals. Mrs. Nofisat Folakemi Adetunji, the first speaker, focused on menstrual health as a cornerstone of girls’ well-being. She mentioned the need to break cultural taboos surrounding menstruation and promote open dialogue. “Menstruation is totally normal, It is your body way of saying you are growing, and you are healthy,” she told the audience, encouraging them to embrace menstruation as a natural process.
Nurse Onuoha Joy, the second speaker, provided practical guidance on using sanitary pads effectively, which are to be changed regularly according to her to prevent infection. She noted that a proper hygiene requires clean water, and private sanitation facilities for washing the body and disposing of used products properly.
Toye Oluwasemilore David concluded the three-part talk with sex education, underlining its importance as a crucial foundation for empowering teenagers to make informed decisions about their bodies, relationships, and futures. He encouraged the female students to make informed decisions, stay safe, and communicate openly about their feelings and boundaries.
Following the educational sessions, QYO Foundation gave free sanitary pads to the female students in attendance, reinforcing its Pad-A-Girl Initiative’s commitment to combating menstrual poverty, promoting hygiene education, and ensuring girls can manage menstruation with enough dignity to stay in school.
His Majesty, who was made the nonprofit’s “Life Patron and Royal Father” last month, called the program transformative and commendable in his closing remark. He stated that the initiative will significantly empower young women through improved access to menstrual hygiene resources and education.
The program’s current sponsors include Value in Party Rentals and Logistics Services, Leyi Herbal Market, Kenitanahs Garden and Hotel, Arcadia Hotel and Suites, with TheAfricanDream.net and Ilefo TV as media partners.
To join or support QYO Foundation in its effort to empower young girls in Nigeria, visit their Instagram or send a mail at qyofoundation@gmail.com.
Written by Abeeb Lekan Sodiq
Abeeb Lekan Sodiq is a Managing Editor & Writer at theafricandream.net. He’s as well a Graphics Designer and also known as Arakunrin Lekan.
