The Ondo State Government has rolled out a new initiative aimed at enhancing digital literacy and promoting menstrual hygiene among schoolgirls across the state.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa unveiled the programme, tagged ‘Tech a Girl; Pad a Girl Child’, as part of activities marking the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child.

Represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Seun Osamaye, the governor said the initiative seeks to empower young girls with essential digital skills while addressing the persistent challenge of menstrual hygiene management.

He explained that the project was conceived to bridge the gender gap in technology and equip girls with the tools needed to thrive in the modern world.

“This year’s theme, ‘The Girl That I Am, The Change I Need – Girls at the Frontlines of Crisis,’ gives us the opportunity to reflect on the extraordinary strength and impact of our girls, even in the face of challenges,” he said.

“Girls are not just beneficiaries of development; they are powerful drivers of change, creating a better and safer world for all.

Through this digital literacy programme, we are preparing our girls to seize opportunities in technology and innovation. We are investing in their minds, their confidence, and their ability to compete and lead in the modern world.”

Speaking further, Aiyedatiwa said the ‘Pad a Girl Child’ component of the initiative focuses on menstrual health and hygiene — a crucial but often neglected aspect of girls’ education.

“As part of the initiative, we’re distributing 5,000 sanitary pads to selected secondary school students across the 18 local government areas of Ondo state,” he said.

The governor emphasised that ensuring menstrual dignity is vital to helping girls remain in school and fulfil their aspirations.

“No girl should miss school because of her menstrual cycle. Access to sanitary pads and menstrual education is a matter of dignity and equal opportunity,” Aiyedatiwa stated.

He urged the girls in attendance to view themselves as agents of transformation and to rise above societal stereotypes. “To every girl here today, I want you to know this ‘you are loved, you are strong, you are valuable, and you are capable of leading change,” he said.

“Embrace learning, lead with kindness, and never let fear or doubt stop you from dreaming big. Your gender is not a limitation, it is a strength that carries grace, wisdom, and resilience.”

Delivering his keynote address, Tomide Akinribido, Chairman of the Ondo State Information Technology Agency (SITA), commended the government’s vision in prioritising digital inclusion for girls.

He described digital literacy as “the new currency of empowerment”, noting that providing young girls with access to technology will “open doors to innovation, entrepreneurship, and self-sufficiency”.

Also speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Education, Igbekele Ajibefun, who flagged off the distribution of sanitary pads, said the intervention would help reduce absenteeism among schoolgirls and boost their confidence and academic performance.

“This is not just a health initiative. It is an educational intervention. When girls feel confident and supported, their performance in school improves, and their future prospects expand,” he said.

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