As part of activities to commemorate the 2025 World Humanitarian Day, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River State Council, Archibong Bassey, has unveiled a humanitarian project tagged PADBANK, designed to fight period poverty and uphold the dignity of teenage girls and women in rural communities.
Victoria Omini.
The initiative was launched on Tuesday during an outreach at Adiabo Ikot Mbo Otu in Cross River State. Bassey, who also coordinates the project, disclosed that PADBANK targets the distribution of 80,000 sanitary pads across 12 communities within one year.
According to her, the concept was inspired by a casual conversation with a friend about the struggles of underprivileged teenage girls in accessing menstrual hygiene products.
“I was once a teenager, and I understand the challenges that come with menstrual hygiene. No girl chooses to menstruate, so no one should be shamed or dehumanised for it. This initiative is about restoring dignity and bridging the gap,” she said.
Currently sustained through personal funding, Bassey called on individuals, NGOs, and faith-based organisations to support the cause. She recalled the recent case of a 24-year-old woman who had to beg for ₦5,000 to buy sanitary pads and pain relief, describing it as a heartbreaking reminder of the urgency of the project.
PADBANK’s Public Relations Officer, Ukoroebi Essien, stressed that menstrual health is a necessity, not a luxury.
“What we are doing isn’t charity—it’s a right. When girls skip school or lose confidence because of poor menstrual hygiene, society pays the price. PADBANK is here to change that narrative in Cross River and beyond,” he noted.
Chief Ukpabio Okon Abasi, the community’s head of health, praised the initiative and pledged the community’s support.
The outreach climaxed with the free distribution of sanitary pads to girls and women, many of whom expressed heartfelt gratitude to the NUJ Chairman and her team.
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