By Abiodun Tadese, Akure.
The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Ondo Province 13 has called on Government, Religious bodies and Well-meaning Nigerians to provide free sanitary pads to teenage girls especially those in the rural areas.
The assistant coordinator in charge of teens affairs, RCCG, Ondo Province 13, Dr. Mrs. Atinuke Akintayo disclosed this at a one-day sensitization programme on safe hygiene practices amongst teenage girls, held at Ibule-soro, Ondo State.
According to her “some of this girl’s cannot afford the sanitary pads, it important for all and sundry to support female teenagers especially in the rural areas,infact, I’m advocating for free sanitary pads for all secondary School students. We are calling on government and religious bodies as a matter of urgency to donate free sanitary pads almost everytime particularly in the rural areas”.
She added that the programme tagged” Safe hygiene practices among teenage girls” is intended to educate the girls on how they can live and lead a safe and clean life in their communities and be a better change agents as well as enlighten young girls on the importance of their bodies,homes and environment.
The first guest speaker at the event, Mrs Opeyemi Ajisegiri, an health worker at the Ondo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency while speaking on the the topic;”clean and safe menses: a sure way for healthy lifestyle” said cleaningness during menses makes healthy lifestyle. She enlightened the young girls on the do’s and don’t during their monthly periods.
Also speaking, RCCG assistant National Coordinator, teens church, Pastor Mrs. Foluke Irukera who joined the programme online, said sex during menstruation can’t stop menstrual pain but exercise, drinking of water, eating of fruits and vegetables can avoid menstrual pain.
Sister Seyi Akeredolu who also joined online advised the teenager girls to report anyone who assault them to their parents or guardian and they should never be careless with your body.
There was a special prayer for the young girls by Pastor Mrs Oluwatoyin Elizabeth Olowomeye-Ajayi.
Speaking with TheprecisionNG after the programme, one of the participants, Andrew Jesutofunmi appreciated the organisers of the event as they have learnt how to keep their body clean during and after menstruation and also to abstain from sex until they are married among other.
Highlight of the event include cultural performance, distribution of sanitary pads , entertainment among others.
Study @ Achievers University
