Date: September 12, 2026
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Registered on Luma: 23
Attended: 7 participants (including 2 new members)
Language: English
Circle Steward: Yusuf
Participants
The Circle had a lower turnout than previous meetings, with 7 of the 23 registered participants attending. The change in event location may have contributed to the lower attendance. Two new members joined the Circle, providing an opportunity to introduce them to Logos and the work of the Abuja Circle.
Event Structure
The meeting began with brief introductions, followed by an introduction to Logos and the purpose of Logos Circles for the new members.
The Circle then discussed running Logos nodes, provided an update on the WhatsApp Navigation Assistant, and had an extended discussion on period poverty as a potential new winnable issue.
Topics Discussed
1. Logos Node Running
The Circle discussed the accessibility of running a Logos node and introduced members to Basecamp, which provides applications that make interacting with the Logos network and running a node easier.
Members were shown that they can get started by downloading the Basecamp application on their computers rather than needing to set up a more complicated technical environment.
The Circle also shared the update communicated by the Logos CEO during his Abuja visit that a mobile version of Basecamp is planned, which could make participation even more accessible.
The discussion helped demonstrate that running a node does not necessarily require advanced technical knowledge or a complex setup, making it easier for more Circle members to participate in the network.
2. WhatsApp Navigation Assistant
The Navigation Assistant was introduced to the new members, including an explanation of the problem it addresses and how the WhatsApp-based navigation tool works.
The project was explained as an ongoing community-built initiative aimed at helping people navigate Abuja using familiar landmarks, bus stops and practical directions through WhatsApp.
This provided new members with context on one of the Circle’s ongoing projects and how they can potentially contribute to its development.
3. Period Poverty — PadReach
The main discussion focused on period poverty as a potential new winnable issue for the Abuja Circle.
The Circle discussed different approaches for structuring the intervention, particularly whether support should be distributed repeatedly to selected schools or whether the Circle should conduct a one-time activation across different schools.
One proposed model was to visit a school, create awareness around menstrual health and hygiene, and distribute sanitary products to students who may not be able to afford them. This raised the question of whether a screening process would be necessary to identify eligible beneficiaries.
An alternative suggestion was to avoid formal screening and conduct a one-time school activation, with the intervention focusing particularly on junior students who may have recently started menstruating and may lack adequate knowledge about menstrual health and hygiene.
The Circle also discussed recent concerns and reports surrounding chemicals found in some sanitary products. A medical professional who was expected to provide further insight into menstrual health and safer product options was unable to attend the meeting.
An online consultation was therefore scheduled for September 26 before the Circle proceeds with a school visit and begins crowdfunding.
Outcomes
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Period poverty was identified as a potential new winnable issue for the Circle.
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Different models for school engagement, awareness and product distribution were discussed.
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The Circle agreed that further medical input is needed before finalizing the intervention.
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An online consultation was scheduled for September 26.
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The school for the initial activation will be confirmed after the model is finalized.
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Crowdfunding will be considered once the intervention requirements are clearer.
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New members were introduced to Logos, Logos Circles and the Circle’s ongoing projects.
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Members were introduced to the accessibility of running a Logos node through Basecamp.
What We Learned
What Worked Well
Although attendance was lower than previous meetings, the smaller group allowed for a more focused and substantive discussion, particularly around the period poverty initiative.
The discussion also demonstrated the importance of validating an intervention before implementation. Rather than immediately committing to a distribution model, the Circle identified questions around beneficiary selection, school engagement, frequency of distribution, menstrual health education and product safety.
The node discussion also helped make participation in the Logos network more tangible by showing members that existing applications can simplify the process.
Areas for Improvement
Attendance was significantly lower than registration, and the change in venue may have contributed to this. Future venue changes should be communicated clearly and early, with additional effort to ensure registered participants are aware of the new location.
The period poverty initiative also requires further validation before implementation. Medical input, confirmation of the target school, the distribution model and the requirements for crowdfunding should be established before moving into execution.
Looking Ahead
The immediate next step is the September 26 online consultation to gather medical insight on menstrual health, hygiene and sanitary products.
Following the consultation, the Circle can finalize the intervention model, identify the school for the initial activation, and determine the requirements for a potential crowdfunding campaign.
The Circle will also continue encouraging members to explore running Logos nodes and contributing to the ongoing development of the WhatsApp Navigation Assistant.
The focus remains on moving from identifying local problems to testing practical interventions that can demonstrate meaningful impact.