Nollywood actress Mercy Johnson Okojie is facing strong criticism online after being named a brand ambassador for Girls Tag, a menstrual care product that retails for N25,000. The product, described as a comprehensive period care pack aimed at girls aged nine and above, was launched with Johnson and her daughter Purity Okojie as faces of the brand. Shortly after, actress Regina Daniels was also announced as an ambassador for Girls Tag.
The premium pricing of the menstrual kit has ignited a firestorm on social media, with many accusing the actress of being out of touch. Critics argue that in a country where countless women and girls cannot afford basic sanitary pads—often resorting to unsafe alternatives or missing school during menstruation—a N25,000 pack is insensitive and elitist.
Some netizens defended Johnson, saying she is running a business and not obligated to serve the masses. “Not everyone is a philanthropist. She knows her target audience. We don’t ask Dangote to sell fuel at a loss,” one user remarked. Others, however, were less forgiving. “Mercy Johnson, you are an embarrassment to women. In a country where women are struggling to afford sanitary pads, you want to charge 25k,” wrote Ms Jorji.
Many Twitter users pointed out that sanitary pads should be a basic amenity, not a luxury. “The target audience had to be baddies,” commented A Tall Edo Girl. Rebekah added, “Nigeria is a poor country. Elitism should never extend to the basic rights and dignity of girls and women. Sanitary pads are not luxury items.”
The backlash reflects deeper frustrations about income inequality and the high cost of essential goods in Nigeria. While Johnson has not publicly responded to the criticism, the controversy continues to trend online, sparking debates about celebrity endorsements and social responsibility.