First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, on Thursday in Gombe, inaugurated a special free sanitary pad distribution scheme aimed at empowering schoolgirls, promoting menstrual hygiene, dignity and education.

The scheme is being implemented under the Flow With Confidence Initiative of Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI).

Mrs Tinubu said the scheme, which began in several states, targeted 370,000 schoolgirls across the country to receive a one-year supply of disposable sanitary pads.

According to Mrs Tinubu, each of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will receive 10,000 pads through the offices of their first ladies.

She expressed delight over her visit to Gombe and thanked Gov. Inuwa Yahaya, his wife, and the people of the state for the warm reception and commitment to the welfare of girls.

“In today’s world, no girl should miss school because she cannot afford sanitary pads. Many girls in rural communities face shame, stigma and serious setbacks in education simply because of a natural biological process. This must come to an end,” she said.

Mrs Tinubu described the Flow With Confidence scheme as a transformational campaign aimed at restoring confidence and protecting the educational journey of girls.

“The provision of disposable sanitary pads is part of a broader effort to address period poverty and promote reproductive health and hygiene among adolescent girls,” she said.

The first lady said the RHI had committed over N2.5 billion to the procurement and nationwide distribution of the sanitary products.

“We firmly believe no girl should ever have to choose between her dignity and her education,” Mrs Tinubu said while tasking local government council chairmen to take ownership of the programme by ensuring that the supplies reach the most deserving girls in rural communities.

Mrs Tinubu warned against diversion or sales of the pads under any circumstances.

The minister of education, Tunji Alausa, commended the first lady for her visionary leadership and pledged the ministry’s support to the initiative.

“Although menstruation is a normal biological process, it remains a source of shame and exclusion for millions of schoolgirls across Nigeria, many of whom miss school due to lack of access to sanitary products.

“Too many girls drop out or fall behind simply because they cannot manage their periods with dignity. Others suffer in silence, lacking support or proper information,” he said.

Mr Alausa described the initiative as a timely and transformative intervention that aligned with the ministry’s broader efforts to promote inclusive and equitable education.

He announced that menstrual health education has been integrated into the basic and secondary school curriculum, particularly in health science subjects.

According to Mr Alausa, the ministry is working with relevant agencies to improve Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) infrastructure in schools, to ensure a safer and more hygienic learning environment for girls.

“We are committed to empowering girls with both the products and the knowledge they need to stay in school and thrive,” he said.

Asma’u Yahaya, wife of the Gombe State governor, thanked Mrs Tinubu for working tirelessly to address issues affecting girls and women.

She stressed that menstruation and menstrual hygiene were critical issues that must be tackled urgently, particularly in light of the challenges being faced by adolescent girls.

“A girl without access to dignity kits and proper wash facilities can lose at least five days of schooling each month, which affects her academic performance,” she said.

Mrs Yahaya also highlighted the health risks posed by the use of unhygienic menstrual materials, which could lead to infections and other diseases.

“We must change the narratives by challenging harmful norms, ensuring every girl attends school and participates fully without fear, and has access to dignity kits,” she said.

She reiterated the state government’s commitment to support Mrs Tinubu’s programmes to uplift girls and women across the country.

(NAN)