Isabella Okon, Calabar
As part of activities to mark the 2026 Menstrual Hygiene Day, while fulfilling its corporate social responsibility for support, care and advocacy for the girl-child, the 2026 KOICA-SKICAN Capstone Project has extended its humanitarian outreach to Students in Cross River State.
In a message by the President of South Korea International Cooperation Association of Nigeria (SKICAN,),Barrister Joseph Oboh said,the project, titled “1st Capstone Schoolgirls Hygiene Support Project ” was implemented at the Cross River Basin Development Authority Senior Secondary School with a focus on promoting menstrual hygiene awareness, dignity, confidence, and educational support for schoolgirls.
He stated that the initiative demonstrates KOICA and SKICAN’s commitment to improving the wellbeing, confidence, and academic participation of adolescent girls through practical support and education.
Barr. Oboh noted that menstrual hygiene remains a major challenge affecting the health, confidence, dignity, and academic performance of many schoolgirls due to limited access to sanitary products and inadequate hygiene education.
He emphasized that the organization remains committed to supporting the girl-child through impactful interventions capable of changing lives and promoting educational inclusion.
Oboh said that the partnership between Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA )and South Korea International Cooperation Association of Nigeria (SKICAN ) remains highly commendable, adding that KOICA has consistently championed humanitarian causes in Nigeria, particularly in the areas of education, scholarship, health and entrepreneurship development.
According to him, the support of the KOICA Country Director, Mr. KIM EUNSUB towards the implementation of the Capstone Project has enabled SKICAN to carry out impactful interventions, especially within the South-South geopolitical zone of the country.
Reaffirming SKICAN’s commitment to sustaining advocacy programnes that empower your people with the right knowledge,boosting their confidence and support needed to achieve their full potentials .
Oboh further pledged SKICAN’s continued partnership with the international organisation in advancing educational and humanitarian programmes that improve the lives of vulnerable groups, particularly female students.
He urged the students to embrace a lifestyle of personal hygiene, environmental cleanliness and self-discipline, stressing that menstrual hygiene is essential to the health, confidence and dignity of every young girl.
He also expressed appreciation to the Principal and Staff of the school for their warm reception, support and effective coordination, which ensured the smooth execution of the programme.
In her overview brief, Ms Ewona Uwuru said,the choice of the Cross River Basin Development Authority Secondary School was strategic as it would help to deepen awareness about Menstrual Hygiene Day among female students and encourage open conversations on menstrual health management.
She said, the programme is an important event dedicated not only to showing concern for the girl-child but also to teaching young girls the importance of cleanliness ,personal hygiene and healthy living from an early stage in life.
In her talks with the Students, the Principal of the School ,Lady Mrs Florence Odok said,the programme had provided the girls with valuable knowledge on menstrual hygiene, personal care and confidence building .
She encouraged the Students to make use of the information shared during the sensitisation programme and become ambassadors of hygiene within their homes, schools and communities.
In her vote of thanks,the Principal said the school community would not forget in a hurry the humanitarian gesture extended to the students.
She appreciated KOICA and SKICAN emphasizing that promoting menstrual hygiene among schoolgirls remains a collective responsibility that requires continuous support from government institutions,development partners, educators, parents and community leaders.
She assured of the School’s commitment to sustaining the advocacy .
The event featured menstrual hygiene education and awareness sessions, guidance on proper personal hygiene practices, practical demonstrations, interactive exercises, question-and-answer sessions, post-test assessments and distribution of souvenirs to participating students.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of Sanitary Pads and other items souvenirs to 50 female students of the Cross River Basin Development Authority Secondary School and renewed calls for sustained awareness on menstrual hygiene management as a critical aspect of girl-child development and Education .
The project which formed part of SKICAN’s broader commitment to community development, girl-child empowerment and sustainable social impact initiatives across Nigeria has the implementation team which included Mr Lawrence Tawo, Odugbo Sarah under the supervisory leadership of the SKICAN President,Barr Joseph Oboh and Mr. Ibrahim Kadafa as the FInancial Secretary.