Polaris Bank Promotes Girls’ Hygiene Awareness with Female Hygiene Essentials Distribution in Lagos Schools
Polaris Bank has reaffirmed its dedication to empowering Nigerian girls through health education and essential support, by distributing female hygiene essentials to female students at Kuramo and Victoria Island Junior and Senior Secondary Schools in Lagos.
This initiative was launched in celebration of Polaris Bank’s 2025 International Women’s Day activities and is part of the bank’s ongoing Adolescent Health and Hygiene Support Programme.
Under the Girl-Child Support and Hygiene Education Initiative, the outreach aims to enhance menstrual hygiene awareness, foster confidence and dignity among young girls, and reduce school absenteeism caused by lack of access to sanitary products.
During the event, Mrs. Bukola Oluyadi, Group Head of Customer Experience & Value Management at Polaris Bank, delivered an informative health talk to the students, stressing the importance of maintaining proper hygiene during menstruation and in everyday life.
She advised the girls on essential personal care practices, including the correct use of sanitary pads, the significance of wearing clean underwear daily, and maintaining good body hygiene through regular washing and the use of deodorants, especially during puberty when their bodies are developing.
“Your body is precious, and how you take care of it determines your confidence and wellbeing,” Mrs. Oluyadi told the students. “Good hygiene is not just about looking clean; it is about staying healthy, feeling comfortable, and showing up confidently in school and everywhere you go.”
She urged the girls to develop lifelong healthy habits, stay informed about their bodies, and speak openly about their health needs.
Also attending the event was Mrs. Subulade Giwa-Amu, Polaris Bank’s Non-Executive Director, who delivered a motivational talk on self-care, confidence, and self-presentation.
In her address, she emphasized that personal hygiene and appearance are key to building a successful future.
“A clean girl equals a successful woman,” Mrs. Giwa-Amu stated. “Success isn’t only about academic achievement; it’s also about how you present yourself. People see you before they get to know you, and first impressions last. Loving yourself and caring for yourself should be a daily habit.”
She encouraged the students to build inner confidence, remain self-assured, and always prioritize personal hygiene as they transition into womanhood.
“Confidence starts with knowing who you are and being proud of yourself,” she added. “When you take care of your body, you build respect for yourself, and others see that confidence reflected in how you speak, walk, and show up in the world.”
Polaris Bank’s support for the girl-child aligns with its broader Sustainability and CSR strategy, which focuses on empowering young girls through education, access to learning materials, and social support systems that enhance health and academic success.
The female hygiene essentials distribution addresses key barriers to school attendance among adolescent girls, particularly those lacking access to basic hygiene products.
By providing knowledge and materials, Polaris Bank is working to normalize conversations about menstruation, reduce stigma, and promote healthier outcomes for young girls.