The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has launched the nationwide distribution of the Flow with Confidence Menstrual Hygiene Packs.
The event, which was held in Gombe, is described by the First Lady as a vital menstrual health intervention designed to empower schoolgirls by promoting knowledge, dignity, and confidence through improved menstrual hygiene.
“In today’s modern world, no girl should have to miss school because of her inability to afford sanitary products. It is unacceptable that our girls still continue to face significant challenges during their menstrual cycle, especially those in rural communities, who miss school days every month because they cannot afford sanitary pads. Some who attend resort to using unsafe and unhygienic alternatives, while others stay at home altogether, falling behind in their studies and, in some cases, eventually dropping out of school. This trend must end, and this intervention, under the Education framework of the Renewed Hope Initiative, is aimed at doing just that,” she said.
Senator Tinubu urged traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community leaders to ensure that the disposable sanitary pads reach their intended beneficiaries.
“All States and the Federal Capital Territory will receive 10,000 packs each through the State First Ladies and RHI Coordinators. This is to support our girls in rural communities and those who are unable to afford sanitary pads. Today, I will be handing over 10,000 packs of disposable sanitary pads to the First Lady of Gombe State for distribution to 10,000 deserving girls in rural communities across the State. Each beneficiary will receive a one-year supply of pads,” she announced.
In their remarks, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, and the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, both pledged to support the initiative by making more supplies available to girls in rural communities.
The Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, commended the First Lady for the initiative and her numerous interventions in areas including health, agriculture, economic empowerment, and education.
Earlier, the First Lady declared open the 1st Gombe State Health Summit, where she reiterated that health is no longer merely a social service but a pathway to economic prosperity, social development, personal emancipation, and national progress.
During her two-day visit to Gombe State, Senator Oluremi Tinubu was also conferred with the traditional title of Sarauniya Yakin Kumo (Queen Warrior of Kumo) by the Emir of Akko, HRH Alhaji Umaru Muh’d Atiku.
