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IWD: Pad Me A Girl Invests in Girls’ Health, Changing Lives in IDP Camps

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PRESS RELEASE

As the world commemorates International Women’s Day 2026, the Pad Me A Girl Empowerment Foundation has strengthened its commitment to advancing menstrual health and restoring dignity for vulnerable women and girls in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps across Nigeria.

In line with this year’s theme, “Give to Gain: Investing in Girls’ Health and Dignity,” the foundation is distributing sanitary pads and providing menstrual hygiene education to women and girls in several IDP camps including Area 1 Durumi IDP Camp in Abuja, Ortese IDP Camp in Benue State, and Kadarko IDP Camp in Nasarawa State.

The outreach forms part of the foundation’s continuous effort to ensure that girls and women in displaced communities have access to essential menstrual hygiene products and the knowledge needed to manage their health safely and with dignity.

In a press release signed by the Founder of the foundation, Theresa Moses, the organization disclosed that over 8,500 women and girls have so far benefited from its menstrual hygiene interventions, with the number steadily increasing as the outreach continues to expand.

According to the foundation, lack of access to menstrual hygiene products remains a major challenge for many girls and women in underserved communities, often affecting their confidence, health, and ability to remain active in school and other daily activities.

Speaking on the significance of the International Women’s Day outreach, Theresa Moses emphasized the need for sustained investment in the wellbeing of girls and women.

“International Women’s Day is a reminder that investing in girls is investing in the future of our communities. Through this outreach, we are not only distributing sanitary pads but also restoring dignity, confidence, and hope to thousands of women and girls living in displaced communities,” she said.

She further noted that the foundation’s intervention goes beyond menstrual hygiene support. Beneficiaries are also provided with menstrual health education, exercise books, writing materials and food items to support girls’ education and encourage them to remain in school.

Through the Access Pad Me A Girl initiative, supported by Access Bank, the foundation has established a Pad Bank that enables monthly distribution of free sanitary pads to girls and women in IDP camps, ensuring continuous access to menstrual hygiene products.

This initiative has provided critical support for displaced girls who previously struggled to manage their menstrual health due to lack of access to sanitary materials.

Speaking on the outreach in Abuja, the Abuja Coordinator of the foundation, Mrs. Blessing Amos, described the initiative as a life-changing intervention for many displaced girls and women.

“Many of the girls we interact with in the camps face serious challenges managing their menstrual health. Providing them with sanitary pads, education, school materials and food items gives them confidence and hope. It also helps them stay focused on their education despite their difficult circumstances,” she said.

Similarly, the Benue State Coordinator, Mrs. Salome Edwin Alamoh, highlighted the importance of sustaining such interventions in IDP camps where the need remains significant.

“In camps like Ortese in Benue State, the need for menstrual hygiene support is very high. This outreach is not just about distributing pads; it is about giving these girls a sense of dignity and reminding them that they are not forgotten,” she stated.

The foundation used the occasion of International Women’s Day to call on government agencies, corporate organizations, development partners, and individuals to support initiatives that promote menstrual health and women’s dignity.

“No girl should lose her confidence, dignity, or education because she cannot afford sanitary pads. With stronger partnerships and support, we can reach thousands more girls and women across Nigeria,” Theresa Moses added.

The Pad Me A Girl Empowerment Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to expanding its outreach across more communities and continuing to advocate for menstrual health awareness, education, and empowerment for every girl and woman.

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Searching Phones Without Court Warrant Unlawful, Police Warn Officers

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The Police Command in Plateau State has warned its personnel against unlawfully demanding and searching citizens’ mobile phones.

The Commissioner of Police (CP) in the State, Bassey Ewah, issued the warning while addressing its personnel in Jos.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, Alfred Alabo, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

“No personnel of this command has the legal authority to search mobile phone of any citizen on the road without a court warrant,” Alabo quoted Ewah as saying.

The PPRO said that the commissioner, who reiterated the command’s commitment to professionalism, warned personnel against unprofessional conduct.

He added that the commissioner advised residents to politely decline any unlawful attempt by personnel to search their phones and report the incident to the nearest police station.

Alabo also advised residents of the State to report any incident of harassment through the following phone numbers: 08034448617, 08060545670, 08037681026, 09016146804, and 09051145757.

The PPRO further reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting the lives, property and rights of law abiding residents in line with global best practices.

NAN

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Enugu Forest Guard, Monarchs Partner to Strengthen Community Security, Intelligence Gathering

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The Enugu State Forest Guard and the Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers have resolved to deepen collaboration in intelligence gathering, crime prevention and community-based security as part of sustained efforts to enhance peace, protect lives and property, and deny criminal elements safe havens across Enugu State.

The resolution, according to a statement signed by the Commander, Dr. Akinbayo O. Olasoji, on behalf of the outfit, was reached during a high-level interactive session held at the Traditional Council Chambers, Enugu, between the Commander of the Enugu State Forest Guard, Dr. Akinbayo O. Olasoji, PhD, MNIM, MNIPS, CPI, CINTA, CTA, FGCP, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Rtd.), and the Chairman and members of the Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers.

A major out come of the meeting was the unanimous recognition that the three hundred and sixty-six (366) recognised Traditional Rulers in Enugu State constitute the State’s largest community-based security network and remain indispensable partners in intelligence gathering, early warning, conflict prevention, community mobilisation and the protection of forests and ruralvcommunities.

The Royal Fathers reaffirmed their commitment to working closely with the Enugu State Forest Guard, in accordance with the provisions of the Enugu State Forest Guard Law, by strengthening community intelligence, identifying suspicious movements, promoting vigilance with in their domains, encouraging the prompt reporting of
criminal activities and supporting lawful security operations across the State.

Presenting his One-Year Stewardship Review, titled “One Year of Transformation,
Leadership and Operational Impact: Building an Institution. Securing Our Future,” Dr. Olasoji expressed profound appreciation to His Excellency, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, Executive Governor of Enugu State, for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to strengthening the State’s security architecture through the establishment and continued support of the Enugu State Forest Guard.

The Commander reviewed the remarkable progress recorded during the Forest Guard’s first year of operation, highlighting the establishment of a functional command structure across the three Senatorial Commands, seventeen Local Government Area Commands, forty-two Operational Sector Commands and more than two hundred and sixty Ward Security Units.

He further highlighted the institutionalisation of Standard Operating Procedures, strengthened command and control systems, enhanced operational accountability, expansion of intelligence-led patrols and deployments, intensified forest surveillance and bush-combing operations, improved operational reporting systems and sustained investment in specialised training covering intelligence gathering, cybersecurity, leadership, operational reporting, ethics, human rights and community engagement.

Dr. Olasoji reaffirmed that the operational philosophy of the Enugu State Forest Guard remains firmly anchored on intelligence-led, preventive and community-based security, emphasising that timely intelligence, early warning and proactive intervention remain the most effective tools for preventing crime before it occurs.

The interactive session also provided an opportunity for the Royal Fathers to present security concerns affecting their various communities.

Particular attention was drawn to the recurring incidents of kidnapping within the boundary communities of Isi-Uzo Local Government Area. The Council called for sustained intelligence-led operations, increased surveillance and stronger collaboration among the Forest Guard, sister security agencies and host communities to
dismantle criminal hideouts operating within forest corridors and border communities.

The Royal Fathers also expressed concerns over emerging security challenges in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area and urged that intelligence gathering, surveillance and operational presence be further strengthened to
address criminal activities and reassure affected communities.

The meeting also deliberated extensively on the ongoing Forest Guard recruitment exercise.

Clarifying the position of the Command, Dr.Olasoji informed the Council that the recruitment exercise has been temporarily suspended pending the conclusion of the Recruitment Committees’ final deliberations. He explained that the suspension is intended to enable the Committees to conclude their assignment and ensure that the recruitment process remains transparent, credible, merit-based and fully compliant with established procedures.

He assured the Royal Fathers that no further action would be taken until the Committees complete their assignment and that the approved modalities for the continuation of the recruitment exercise would there after be officially communicated to the public in the interest of transparency, fairness and due process.

The Commander further explained that administrative decisions arising from the recruitment process, including the
suspension of certain personnel, are being handled strictly in accordance with established procedures, institutional regulations and the principles of fairness, accountability and justice.

The Chairman and members of the Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers commended the remarkable transformation recorded by the Enugu State Forest Guard within its first year of operation and expressed confidence in the leadership, professionalism and operational direction of the Command.

The Council unanimously resolved to strengthen collaboration between every recognised traditional institution and the Enugu State Forest Guard by promoting community intelligence, strengthening early warning systems, supporting lawful security operations and encouraging citizens to provide timely information capable of preventing crime.

The Royal Fathers further pledged to work closely with Forest Guard Commanders, Sector Officers, Presidents-General, community leaders, hunters, neighbourhood security groups and other lawful stakeholders to enhance intelligence gathering, improve community resilience and reinforce peace and security through out Enugu State.

In his closing remarks, Dr.Olasoji reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the Enugu State Forest Guard to professionalism, discipline, accountability, respect for human rights and intelligence-led operations. He called on all stakeholders to remain united in support of the Governor’s vision of a safe, secure and prosperous Enugu State, stressing that security remains a shared responsibility requiring the active participation of government, traditional
institutions, security agencies and everylaw-abiding citizen.

The meeting concluded with aunanimous commitment by the Enugu State Forest Guard and the Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers to deepen intelligence-led community security, strengthen forest protection and enhance collaboration across all communities in the State. Both parties reaffirmed their resolve to work together to ensure that every forest, rural community and border corridor in Enugu State remains safe, peaceful and conducive to agriculture, investment and sustainable development.

The royal fathers prayed for Dr. Olasoji for God’s protection in what he is doing for ndi Enugu through Enugu state forest guard.

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Hopeful Smile Initiative Leads Infertility Awareness Walk, Urges End to Stigma

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Hopeful Smile Initiative on Saturday July 4, 2026, led a peaceful Infertility Awareness Walk in Lagos, calling on Nigerians to end the stigma surrounding infertility and recognize it as a medical condition rather than a curse.

The awareness campaign, themed “Understanding Infertility: A Medical Condition, Not a Curse – Stop the Stigma,” brought together healthcare professionals, reproductive health advocates, community leaders, volunteers and members of the public.

Participants marched from Abule Egba through major streets carrying banners and placards with messages encouraging compassion, public education and support for individuals and couples experiencing infertility.

Speaking during the event, The Founder of Hopeful Smile For Couples Initiative, Mrs Fasore Eyeola Christianah said infertility can affect both men and women and should not be associated with shame, punishment or superstition. She urged families, religious institutions and communities to provide emotional support for those facing fertility challenges instead of subjecting them to discrimination or social exclusion.

She also stressed the importance of seeking timely medical evaluation and treatment, noting that increased public awareness would help dispel myths and encourage more people to access appropriate healthcare services.

Mrs Eyeola seeks the partnership and financial support of well-meaning Nigerians, corporate organizations, philanthropists, and development partners to help couples struggling with infertility access safe and evidence-based family-building options, particularly Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART).
The high cost of fertility treatment places it beyond the reach of many deserving families. Through your generous donations and sponsorship, we hope to ease this financial burden, restore hope, and give more couples the opportunity to experience the joy of parenthood.
Every contribution, regardless of its size, brings us closer to transforming lives and building happier families. Together, we can make the dream of parenthood a reality for many.

According to the initiative, the awareness walk is part of her ongoing campaign to advocate for reproductive health, empower affected families and build a society where empathy replaces stigma.

The event ended with participants reaffirming their commitment to sustaining public awareness campaigns and encouraging Nigerians to support individuals and couples on their journey to parenthood through understanding, acceptance and access to quality healthcare.

Email: couples.smileinitiative@gmail.com
Tik tok: couple. smile2
Instagram: couples_smileinitiative
Contact:09020797609.

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