The controversy began after a viral video of Pastor Lazarus’s sermon surfaced online, in which he suggested that women’s mood swings during menstruation stem from their attitude rather than hormonal changes.
“You are not the first woman to see your period, so your menstruation is not the problem. I have never seen anywhere in the Bible any woman complain about menstrual pain. You are simply not a peaceful person,” the pastor said.
The comments drew sharp criticism across social media, with many Nigerians describing them as insensitive and uninformed about women’s physical and emotional experiences during menstruation.
In her reaction, Jegede urged men — particularly public figures and religious leaders — to refrain from making uninformed statements about women’s health. She emphasised the importance of compassion and awareness in such discussions.
“Yesterday I saw a trending video of a clergyman seemingly trivialising menstrual pain,” Jegede wrote.
“If you’ve never experienced the hormonal changes that women go through during their periods, ovulations and pregnancy, please don’t make bold statements about things you haven’t experienced. Men, please be kind.”
Jegede’s response has resonated with many women online, reigniting conversations about the stigma and misconceptions surrounding menstruation and women’s reproductive health — particularly when addressed in religious and cultural contexts.
Her statement adds to a growing chorus of voices urging for more sensitivity and scientific literacy in public discourse on women’s health issues in Nigeria.