In line with its mission of community impact and commemoration of World Health Day, the National Association of Ondo State Students (NAOSS), The Polytechnic, Ibadan Chapter, in partnership with Thrive Innovation Garden Foundation hosted an outreach focused on young adolescent girls.

The outreach tagged, “Pad a Princess” held recently at Fiwasaye Girls Grammar School, Akure was aimed at promoting menstrual hygiene awareness and entrepreneurship among adolescent girls. It brought together a coalition of partners including Kids and Teens Resource Center, Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), Ondo Network, John-Lucy Development Initiative, and the Ondo State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology.

The project sensitised the young girls on menstrual hygiene, encouraged innovation and entrepreneurial thinking, and distributed sanitary pads to all 300 students. The session featured engaging discussions, an interactive question and answer segment.

Speaking on the importance of such interventions, representatives emphasised that empowering girls with accurate health information and basic resources not only improves school attendance but also boosts their confidence and potential for leadership.

The “Pad a Princess” project stands as a beacon of hope, bridging the gap between education, health, and sustainable development, while reiterating the power of collaborative impact in shaping a better future for young girls in Ondo State.

In attendance was the Special Assistant to the Executive Governor of Ondo State on Community Engagement, Hon. Iwakun Adeolu, who lauded the initiative for addressing a vital yet often overlooked issue affecting the girl child. Also present were Mrs. Adebayo, Vice Principal (Academics), Mrs. Olotu of the host school; Mr. Victor Oguntoyinbo, former NAOSS National President; JCIN Ambassador Segun Omotosho, General Legal Counsel of JCI Nigeria; executive members of the host organisation led by the President, Oluloro Emmanuel Oluwadamilare.