By Kazeem Ugbodaga
Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Nigeria's First Lady, launched on Thursday the countrywide distribution of 370,000 sanitary pads valued at ₦2,550,297,150 for female students in remote areas across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The official unveiling, which took place at the State House in Alausa, Lagos, was part of her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) project titled "Flow with Confidence."
The initiative, designed to enhance menstrual health and support young girls, was introduced at the same time in Borno, Cross River, Ekiti, Enugu, Gombe, Imo, Kebbi, and Lagos States, with additional states anticipated to join once supplies are received.
Mrs. Tinubu was represented at the Lagos gathering by the State's First Lady,Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, stated that the intervention aimed to overcome a major obstacle to girls' education.
"In today's contemporary society, no girl should be forced to skip school due to her inability to purchase sanitary products," she stated.
"It is unacceptable that our girls still encounter major difficulties during their menstrual cycle, particularly those in rural areas, who miss school each month due to the inability to afford sanitary pads," she added.
She expressed sorrow that numerous girls turn to unsafe and unclean substitutes, while some abandon school completely.
"This trend needs to stop, and this action, as part of the Education framework within the Renewed Hope Initiative, is designed to achieve exactly that," she said.
As per her statement, all 36 states and the FCT will be provided with 10,000 packs of single-use pads, handed out by State First Ladies and RHI Coordinators.
"We will provide a one-year supply of single-use sanitary pads to 370,000 female students in remote areas throughout the country by the conclusion of this initiative," she stated.
Mrs. Tinubu emphasized that the sanitary pads, purchased from Uniglory Nigeria Limited in Ikorodu, Lagos, for ₦2.55bn, should be distributed without charge.
"The pads must never be sold under any situation," she cautioned, encouraging local government chairmen to take responsibility for the project and make sure the items are delivered to girls in need.
She appealed to corporate entities, agencies, and sincere Nigerians to back the project, while encouraging traditional, religious, and local leaders to assist in overseeing the distribution.
"At the Renewed Hope Initiative, we hold the belief that no girl should ever be forced to decide between her self-respect and her schooling," the First Lady stated.
"Remain in school, work diligently, encourage each other, and never let embarrassment or prejudice diminish your self-assurance. Seize this chance to chase your aspirations fearlessly, as you are the country's future, and I have faith in you," she implored them.
During his opening speech, Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Alli-Balogun, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Abisola Adegbite, commended the effort, calling it an example of the First Lady's strong interest in girls, particularly within local communities.
He remembered that menstrual health had been a long-standing issue for young girls, frequently impacting their schooling.
Praising the effort, he remarked: “This initiative highlights the importance placed on girls' education and the care for our daughters.”
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