Distribution Of Sanitary Pads: Ondo Community Defends Fayemi’s Wife

Community leaders in Ilara-Mokin in Ifedore Local Government Area of Ondo State have denied the allegation that the wife of Ekiti State Governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi has been distributing sanitary pads to the indigenes of the town.

Recall that a group; Ondo Progressives Movement (OPM) had raised the alarm that Governor Fayemi’s wife was distributing sanitary pads to school girls, which according to them, could have spiritual motives which may be connected to the 2022 governorship election in Ekiti State and Governor Kayode Fayemi’s presidential ambition

The traditional ruler of Ilara-Mokin, Oba Abiodun Adefehinti and National President of Egbe Omo Ilara-Mokin, Dr Yemisi Olorunsola has responded that the sanitary pads were distributed to school children in Ilara-Mokin through an indigene of the town, Princess Precious Olofinyoku and not the wife of the Governor.

The community leaders said the project 'Pad a girl Campaign', a Non-Government Organization (NGO) owned by an Ilara-Mokin indigene was aimed at reducing period poverty and gender inequality through information, service and advocacy.

They said the project aimed to increase access to hygiene products and services, increase awareness on reproductive health services, equip girls with skills to produce reusable sanity pads.

They said the pet project was supported by Erelu Fayemi, as part of the programmes meant for the 2021 Ilara-Mokin day celebration and not for the entire people of Ondo State.

However, the community accused the group of playing politics with a social service aimed at helping the vulnerable in society.

Oba Adefehinti said Olofinyoku had begun the distribution of sanity pads to indigent school students in 2007 before Erelu Fayemi keyed into the programme, aimed at helping the community.

The monarch said the community is proud of Mrs Fayemi, who is one of the illustrious indigenes of the town.

Oba Adefehinti and Dr Olorunsola applauded the contribution of Mrs Fayemi to the development of the town and would welcome any contribution that would uplift the standard of the citizens especially the girl child.

They, however, appealed to politicians not to politicise programmes that would benefit the indigent people in society.