Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has launched the distribution of 370,000 sanitary pads valued at over N2.55 billion to schoolgirls in rural communities across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory
The initiative, tagged “Flow with Confidence,” is part of her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) and is aimed at reducing the number of school days girls lose each month due to lack of access to sanitary products.
The programme was flagged off simultaneously in Borno, Cross River, Ekiti, Enugu, Gombe, Imo, Kebbi, and Lagos, with other states expected to follow once supplies arrive.
Represented by the wife of the Lagos State Governor, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, Mrs. Tinubu described the project as a vital health intervention.
“In today’s modern world, no girl should have to miss school because of her inability to afford sanitary products,” she said. “This trend must end, and this intervention is aimed at doing just that.”
According to her, each state and the FCT will receive 10,000 packs of disposable sanitary pads, distributed through governors’ wives and RHI coordinators. She stressed that the pads, procured from Uniglory Nigeria Limited in Ikorodu, Lagos, are not for sale but strictly for the benefit of schoolgirls.
The First Lady urged local government chairmen to ensure proper distribution and warned against diversion. She also called on corporate bodies, government agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community heads to support and monitor the programme.
“We believe no girl should have to choose between her dignity and her education,” Mrs. Tinubu added.
Lagos Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Alli-Balogun, praised the initiative, saying it reflects the First Lady’s deep concern for the welfare of girls at the grassroots.
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