Polaris Bank Promotes Girls’ Hygiene Awareness in Lagos Schools

Polaris Bank Promotes Girls’ Hygiene Awareness in Lagos Schools

Polaris Bank has reinforced its commitment to the empowerment and wellbeing of the Nigerian girl-child with the distribution of female hygiene essentials to students of Kuramo and Victoria Island Junior and Senior Secondary Schools in Lagos.

The outreach, which took place in Lagos, forms part of the Bank’s 2025 International Women’s Day activities and its ongoing Adolescent Health and Hygiene Support Programme. It is aimed at improving menstrual hygiene education, boosting confidence and dignity among adolescent girls, and reducing school absenteeism caused by lack of access to sanitary products.

Speaking during the event, the Group Head, Customer Experience and Value Management at Polaris Bank, Mrs. Bukola Oluyadi, delivered a health and hygiene talk, stressing the importance of proper personal care, especially during menstruation and puberty.

She educated the students on the correct use of sanitary pads, the need for regular use of clean underwear, and maintaining overall body hygiene through daily washing and the use of deodorants.

“Your body is precious, and how you take care of it determines your confidence and wellbeing. Good hygiene is not just about looking clean; it is about staying healthy, feeling comfortable, and showing up confidently in school and beyond,” Oluyadi said.

She encouraged the girls to adopt healthy habits early in life, be knowledgeable about their bodies, and speak confidently about their health needs.

Also speaking at the event, Polaris Bank’s Non-Executive Director, Mrs. Subulade Giwa-Amu, delivered a motivational session on self-care, confidence and self-presentation, reminding the students that personal hygiene plays a key role in shaping their future.

“A clean girl equals a successful woman. Success is not only about academics, but also about how you present yourself. First impressions matter, and loving and caring for yourself should be a daily habit,” she stated.

She further urged the girls to build inner confidence, remain self-assured and be mindful of their hygiene as they transition into womanhood, noting that self-respect reflects in how individuals carry themselves.

The initiative aligns with Polaris Bank’s broader sustainability and corporate social responsibility strategy, which focuses on empowering young girls through education, access to essential resources and social support systems that enhance health and academic performance.

According to the Bank, sustained investment in girls’ wellbeing helps reduce school dropout rates, promote equal opportunities and contribute to long-term social and economic development.

By providing hygiene essentials and education, Polaris Bank said it is addressing key barriers to school attendance among adolescent girls, while also helping to normalise conversations around menstruation, reduce stigma and support healthier outcomes for young women.