Speaking at the event, the Founder, Mrs. Valentina Ibirogba-Unaji explained that the nonprofit organisation was established to support women’s health, particularly women in their midlife who often face various physical and emotional symptoms associated with menopause.
According to her, many women aged 40 and above experience issues such as weight gain, mood swings, memory lapses, and other symptoms they struggle to understand.
“This is why we set up this initiative to educate and help women understand that these changes are hormonal and not spiritual attacks from ‘village people’ as some believe,” she said.
Mrs. Ibirogba noted that the sensitization programme was organised in collaboration with Kabiyesi, who serves as the Grand Royal Patron of the initiative.
She added that the event was open to all Egba women, with outreach efforts extended to the grassroots to ensure that no woman is left uninformed.
She emphasized that no participant was turned away, as the goal was to reach as many women as possible.
Valentina added that beneficiaries received medical examinations, medications based on their symptoms, educational fliers, and detox teas to promote overall wellness.
One of the organisers, Dr. Bola Sogbesan, expressed delight at the impressive turnout and the depth of engagement from the participants.
She noted that menopause remains confusing for many women due to the drastic lifestyle changes it brings.
“I am encouraged by the questions they asked, questions about their wellbeing, joint pains, exercises, intimacy, and even how to pass this knowledge to their children. It shows that today has been truly impactful,” she said.
Also speaking, Chief Nursing Officer at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Mrs. Olayinka Job, said giving the lecture on menopause brought her great joy.
She explained that most mothers lack awareness about the signs and symptoms of menopause and often do not know how to manage the changes in their bodies.
“We taught them that menopause can start between ages 45 and 55, and may come with symptoms like night sweats, bone pain, and hormonal fluctuations. They asked many questions, showing that they now understand better,” she said.
She encouraged the women to embrace exercise, eat fruits, and seek medical help when needed.
One of the beneficiaries Temitope Olabisi said she came to learn more about taking care of her body as a woman, particularly personal hygiene, nutrition, and cancer awareness.
Another participant, Omolabake Akeredolu, described the initiative as a blessing to women who often struggle in silence.
She advised women approaching menopause to monitor their health closely.
“My advice is that women should go for checkups regularly. When you feel something unusual, go to the hospital and complain,” she said.
Diverse groups were represented at the programme, including officials from the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ogun State Command, The Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps , the Boba Mayegun Obirin Akile Ijebu, Regberegbe of Ijebu-Ode among others.
