The Nikki Udezue Foundation has donated sanitary pads, textbooks, and other educational materials to students of the Government Technical School, Kwamba, Niger State, as part of activities marking the 43rd birthday celebration of the foundation’s founder, Nikki Udezue.
Speaking during the outreach, Nkiru Udezue explained that the foundation was a youth- and women-led non-profit organisation focused on positively impacting lives through socio-economic development interventions in communities.
She said the purpose of the initiative was to educate and enlighten female students about the menstrual cycle and provide guidance on managing it hygienically and confidently.
“This initiative aims to promote awareness, empowerment, and healthy practices among young girls, ensuring they feel supported and informed,” she stated.
Udezue noted that instead of marking her birthday with a private celebration, she chose to spend the day with students under the Safe School Initiative, describing it as a more meaningful way to celebrate.
“I wanted to celebrate my 43rd birthday by doing something impactful something that would make me feel fulfilled. Even if I’m no longer here tomorrow, I want my legacy to live through the foundation,” she said.
She explained that the ‘Pad a Girl Child’ project was designed to empower young girls with knowledge on menstrual hygiene and provide them with sanitary materials to ensure they do not miss school during their menstrual periods.
Udezue and her team, alongside healthcare professionals, also conducted lectures and practical training sessions on menstrual hygiene and how to produce alternative, eco-friendly menstrual pads.
“Menstruation has brought about a lot of stigma for young girls, and some even miss school because of it,” she said. “We are here to change that narrative by educating them and giving them the right tools.”
She cautioned against the use of inappropriate materials such as fabrics, paper, or tissues during menstruation, warning that these could cause infections and other health complications.
“Using sanitary pads correctly prevents infections, promotes comfort, and ensures that girls do not miss school during their menstrual periods,” Udezue added.
Beyond the girls, Udezue urged parents and teachers to support and reinforce menstrual hygiene education to create an environment where such conversations are normalized and encouraged.
“This advocacy is not just about immediate hygiene — it’s about building confidence and empowering young girls to grow into healthy, self-assured women,” she said.
She emphasised that education and awareness could transform communities, calling on all stakeholders to collaborate in creating a supportive environment for young girls.
Udezue also highlighted other projects of the foundation, including “The Widow’s Smile”, which has empowered many widows across different communities.
“I am not a widow, but I have seen the pain many widows go through. Our interventions are driven purely by compassion and the desire to support those in need,” she explained.
She noted that despite challenges faced by many NGOs, the Nikki Udezue Foundation remained committed to transparency and its core values.
“We proudly stand by our core values — transparency and service. We want people to trust that our interventions are genuine and impactful,” she said.
Udezue revealed that the foundation had partnered with several organisations, including those under its “Water for Life” project, to ensure sustainability and community development. She added that the foundation was open to collaborations with international organisations and government agencies to expand its reach to underserved schools across Nigeria.
“A lot is happening in the world today concerning the girl child. We must protect and empower them. The Nikki Udezue Foundation is ready to partner with anyone who shares this vision,” she stated.
In remarks, Principal of the school, Mr. Yakubu Umar, commended the foundation for its intervention, describing the gesture as timely and impactful.
“We are very grateful to the Nikki Udezue Foundation. It’s a pleasure to have such an organization visit our school to sensitize our students,” Umar said. “Even my colleagues are excited to witness this. The way you taught the girls today is inspiring.”
Similarly, Goodness Yakubu, an SS3 student, expressed appreciation on behalf of the students.
“We’ve learned so much today how to care for ourselves, maintain good hygiene, and stay clean during menstruation. We are very grateful to the foundation,” she said.
