Wednesday, 26th of March, 2025 was an epoch day in the history of Oyo Town as a group of dedicated men and women came together under the banner of Herlive Project to sensitise secondary school girls aged 14-16 from nothing less than 11 schools on sexual health, reproductive health and rights.
The hall of Best Legacy International Secondary School, Awe was filled to the brim as early as 10 AM as the 11 invited schools (4 private and 7 public schools) came in with nothing less than 50 students each.
The Herlive Project is a health program initiative held in partnerships with reputable organizations like WACI Health , April Smiles Humanitarian Foundation, Adebayo Dream Humanitarian Foundation, and Value Female Network.
The Project Coordinator,Dr Olushina Ololade Oladeji while welcoming the Herlive Project ambassadors, invited guests and participants from various schools to the program pointed out that “the idea of the Herlive project came into being as a result of a research which exposes the fact that a significant percentage of HIV /AIDS carriers in Oyo town are females, and that the prevalence rate is high in comparison to other towns and cities in Oyo State”. He went further that “most of the carriers of the HIV/AIDS came in contact with the deadly virus through sexual intercourse and mishandling of sharp objects”.
While speaking, the Herlive Project Matron, Alhaja Peju Bakare called for synergies amongst governmental and non-governmental organizations to tackle sexual health issues, especially amongst the women folks. A total of 7 women who have been markedly successful in their areas of endeavours were also conferred the ambassadorial titles of the Herlive Project Initiative,they include Chief (Mrs) Adejoke Olawuwo, Alhaja Seun Biliaminu, Dr Afolashade Ayankojo, Hon. Ibidunni Florence Owolabi (Afijio APC Women Leader),Mrs Iyabo Ishola (Alake Iya Pedro), Alhaja Aminat Akindele and Alhaja Kafayat Olabisi Adediran.This was to create a form of self belief in the students that if these women could have been this great, they can also be great too regardless of their respective backgrounds.
The Keynote Speaker, Dr Adekunle Adebayo used the occasion to share his personal story of how he rose to the crest of society’s ladder through education. He also used the occasion to sensitize the students on the need to take cognizance of personal health issues like menstrual cycles, personal hygienes, preventions of sexually transmitted infections amongst others.
The event was graciously attended by dignitaries from all walks of life including the representative of Oyo State Commissioner for Health Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Wasilat Adegoke. Also,in attendance was Hon.Olorunpoto Rahaman, Member, Oyo State House of Assembly, representing Oyo East and Oyo West State Constituency, Dr Tunde Giwa, Dean of Students’ Affairs, Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo and Dr A.O.Oladeji, a Senior Lecturer from Emmanuel Alayande University of Education.
The highlight of the event was the distribution of sanitary pads to the over 600 participants at the event.Federal Government Girls College was also given extra 50 sanitary pads for being the most punctual school. Other schools in attendance include Best Legacy International School,Ilora Community Commercial School, Winners International College,Oranyan Grammar School, Ladigbolu Grammar School, St.Bernardines Girls Grammar School, Olivet Baptist High School,Abiodun Atiba School & Shepherdsfield International School.
Afterwards, the team went on a tour to Africhatta Film Village and interacted with nollywood stars such as Akin Olaiya, Odunlade Adekola and Toyin Abraham.
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