The wife of Kebbi State governor, Hajiya Nafisa Idris, has sensitised pupils to the promotion of menstrual hygiene among girls and women in the state.

Mrs Idris sensitised the female pupils on Saturday at Comprehensive Girls’ Secondary School, Argungu in the Argungu Local Government Area of the state as part of activities marking the 2024 Menstrual Hygiene Day.

May 28 marks the 10th World Menstrual Hygiene Day, a global initiative dedicated to promoting awareness and education about menstrual hygiene.

The governor’s wife commended her husband, Nasir Idris, for his efforts in promoting the healthcare service and support in the promotion of menstrual hygiene in the state.

”Hygiene is part and parcel of Islamic religion, and it is our faith. Muslims are encouraged to maintain personal hygiene by taking regular baths, washing hands before and after meals, and trimming of nails and hair. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stressed the importance of personal hygiene, saying, “Cleanliness is next to godliness.” We know how germs spread from our very own hands to our bodies as well as to other people,” she said.

She pledged her support to improve menstrual hygiene and sexual reproductive health services in the state.

“Educate yourself, take care of your health, and seek support where necessary. My Nafisa Nasir Charity Development Foundation is committed to advancing the health and rights of the girl child,” she said.

She also called on parents to continue to support the education and prioritise menstrual hygiene of their daughters.

Earlier, the state Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr Halima Bande, urged the students to pay more attention to their studies and pursue a future full of education.

”Don’t limit your studies here, but go further, until you fill the available women vacancies we should rightly occupy in health, education and other fields of endeavours,” she said.

On their part, the state Commissioner for Women Affairs, Halima Hassan-Kamba and the wife of Secretary to the State Government, Asma’u Alkali, urged the students to be good ambassadors of their parents and society.

She advised that educational pursuit should not stop at secondary school level.

Mrs Alkali enjoined the students to be disciplined, modest and respect elders anywhere they might find themselves after leaving the school.

The governor’s wife distributed sanitary items to students and donated N1 million to the graduating students of the college.

Earlier at the emir’s palace, Argungu, the Emir, Samaila Muhammad-Mera, commended the wife of the governor for her efforts in ensuring the promotion of menstrual hygiene among girls and women in the state.

”I thank you immensely and I thank your husband, our governor, who has been doing excellently well in the areas of health, education and infrastructure, among others,” he said.

(NAN)