Nigerian youths are leading the charge in creating more awareness on endometriosis, a condition in which cells similar to the lining of the uterus, or endometrium, grow outside the uterus.
These youths, who participated in the 2024 Endometriosis Support Group of Nigeria (ESGN), Essay Competition sponsored by Nordica Fertility Centre, showcased the power of their minds in tackling societal health issues.
This year’s competition, themed “Endometriosis Advocacy: The Role of Young Students in Driving Change,” invited female senior secondary school students to shed light on endometriosis through well-researched essays.
The managing director and CEO of Nordica Fertility Centre, Dr. Abayomi Ajayi, at a grand ceremony to celebrate the winners of the competition, in Lagos, underscored the significance of the competition as more than just an academic exercise.
“This is about empowering young girls to be advocates and leaders in their communities,” he said.
He also announced plans to expand the competition to a national scale, inviting participation from students across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. “The quality of essays we have received over the years continues to improve, and it’s clear these young women are passionate about making a difference,” Ajayi added.
At the heart of the event was the celebration of outstanding students who used their voices to champion this critical cause. Toluwani Kasunmu, from Anglican Comprehensive High School, Ipaja, claimed the top prize with an essay that stood out for its depth and clarity. Her schoolmate, Oyefinmilayo Ireoluwa Oloyede, secured second place, while Sharon Evbota of Dabitos College, Ilasamaja, took third.
The event served as a rallying point for stakeholders, including students, educators, and health advocates, united by a shared goal of driving awareness about endometriosis.
Kasunmu’s victory came with a cash prize of ₦100,000, a symbolic trophy, and a sense of purpose that transcends accolades.
In her reaction, Kasunmu shared, “This competition has been life-changing. It has equipped me with knowledge about endometriosis and inspired me to become a voice for those affected.”
Oloyede and Evbota, rewarded with ₦75,000 and ₦50,000 respectively, echoed similar sentiments, expressing their commitment to raising awareness in their communities.
Anglican Comprehensive High School, the winning institution, also benefited, receiving a brand-new computer set as part of the prize package, highlighting the competition’s dual focus on empowering students and supporting schools.
The competition has become a platform for fostering advocacy and education, especially in a society where conditions like endometriosis remain under-discussed. Teachers and parents at the event lauded Nordica Fertility Centre’s efforts, emphasizing the transformative impact on students and their schools.
With its commitment to advocacy and expansion, the ESGN Essay Competition is poised to inspire a wave of awareness that reaches beyond classrooms, touching the lives of countless women and communities across Nigeria.
