First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has officially launched the ‘Flow with Confidence Sanitary Pad Initiative,’ a historic program aiming at promoting menstruation health and cleanliness among schoolgirls across the country.
Speaking at the opening on Tuesday in Umuahia, the capital of Abia State, the First Lady stated that the initiative’s main goal is to empower schoolgirls via menstrual hygiene education, which aims to foster confidence and dignity.
The First Lady, who was represented by the wife of Abia State Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, emphasized that no girl should be forced to miss school because she cannot afford sanitary supplies.
“It is unacceptable that our girls still face significant challenges during their menstrual cycle. Menstruation is natural, and it must never stand in the way of education, confidence, or self-worth,” she said.
She mentioned that the program was carefully designed for the well-being of the girl child across the federation, with particular emphasis on girls in rural communities.
“Under the initiative, one year’s supply of disposable sanitary pads will be distributed to 370,000 schoolgirls in rural communities nationwide, with 10,000 packs allocated to each state.
“This intervention is to support girls in rural communities and those unable to afford sanitary pads.
“Each beneficiary will receive a one-year supply. We chose disposable sanitary pads because they provide a safer hygiene option for women’s reproductive wellbeing,” she added.
Speaking to the students, Otti urged them to work hard in their studies, encourage one another, and never let stigma or shame undermine their self-esteem.
She exhorted them to seize the chance and go for their goals with courage.
One of the guest speakers, Joy Okechukwu, also spoke. She encouraged candid and knowledgeable discussions regarding menstrual health while educating the kids on the significance of maintaining good personal cleanliness during the menstrual cycle.
“It is very important that a young girl is educated and well-grounded in proper personal hygiene during menstruation,” she stated.
In her second talk, Dr. Theodora Ngozika Igboaruka emphasized the importance of parents, schools, and health professionals in encouraging safe menstrual practices and fostering supportive settings for teenage girls.
Mrs. Chinenye Nwaka, the governor’s senior special assistant on women affairs, thanked Tinubu for her steadfast dedication to empowering Nigerian girls via the program.
“I am proud to see this program launched in Abia State. On behalf of the First Lady of Abia State, we are deeply pleased and honored,” she said.
Dr. Maureen Aghukwa, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, characterized the project as a revolutionary contribution in the battle against menstruation poverty in her remarks.
She pointed out that a lack of access to sanitary items causes many girls to discreetly struggle during their menstrual cycle, which frequently has an impact on their self-esteem and attendance at school.
“Our ministry will work closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure effective distribution and sustained advocacy for menstrual hygiene education across communities,” she assured.
Similarly, Prof. Enoch Ogbonnaya-Uche, the state’s commissioner for health, emphasized the program’s importance for public health.
According to him, maintaining good menstrual hygiene is essential to preventing infections and protecting young girls’ reproductive health.
In order to guarantee the initiative’s long-term success, he promised the Ministry of Health’s full support in providing ongoing health education, community sensitization, and monitoring measures.
The official announcement and presentation of the Flow with Confidence sanitary pads by Mrs. Otti, which reaffirmed the common commitment to ensuring young girls have safe and appropriate menstruation hygiene, was the event’s high point.
The occasion was a major step toward bolstering cooperative efforts to safeguard the health, dignity, and academic progress of Nigerian girls.
