A non-profit organisation focused on infant health and maternal well-being has launched a health support initiative for single parents in Kwara State, distributing 3,150 free nappies to families with children aged 0-3 years.

The Zoe Choosers Initiative (ZCI), founded by Abimbola Pelumi-Olawole, announced the project-My 9ja Diaper Bank -during an event at the Kwara State Children's Reception Centre in Ilorin. It marks Nigeria's first diaper bank, designed to address urgent nappy shortages among marginalised families.

Pelumi-Olawole stressed that nappies are a basic necessity for infant health and maternal care, particularly for young mothers facing unplanned pregnancies and economic challenges. The initiative aims to alleviate the burden on vulnerable households

"I know firsthand how essential diapers are, how costly they can be, and the toll it takes on a mother's mental health when she can't afford this basic necessity. It falls under our vision for community empowerment," she said.

The initiative was officially launched at the Kwara State Children Reception Centre in Ilorin, the state capital, where a total of 900 diapers were donated to support infants at the facility.

One of the organisers, Ms Adebowale Jesudunmomi, stated that the project was launched on 4 May to coincide with Kids in Need of Diapers (K.I.N.D.) Day, an awareness day observed in the United States.

"In our initiative, we refer to pregnant teenage girls as Our Bloom because we believe in their potential," Ms Jesudunmomi said. "We want them to know that motherhood does not mean the end of their dreams. We are here to support them and affirm that abortion is not an option."

Ms Jesudunmomi also stressed that the initiative is not a one-off effort, adding, "We won't stop here. We plan to reach mothers across the state with the diapers they need. This is a continuous project, not a one-time gesture."

The matron of the Children Reception Centre in Ilorin, Mrs Jegede Elizabeth, described the gesture as a meaningful contribution, emphasising its positive impact on both the children's comfort and the centre's financial stability.

"We care for abandoned babies, abused children, and those whose parents struggle with mental health challenges. Our reception centre houses both toddlers and newborns," she explained. "These diapers will go a long way in ensuring the children remain clean and comfortable, and they will significantly ease our financial burden."

"For children whose parents are unknown, we assign them the surname of the sitting governor," she added.