First Lady Launches Nationwide Menstrual Hygiene Packs Distribution

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has commenced nationwide distribution of the ‘Flow with Confidence Menstrual Hygiene packs’.

The First Lady described the initiative, launched in Gombe on Thursday, as a necessary 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 drop 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.

Mrs. Tinubu also urged traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community leaders to ensure that the sanitary pads reach those they are meant for.

“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 one-year supply of the pads,” she added.

The Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, and the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, also pledged support for the initiative.

They promised to make more supplies available to girls in rural communities.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State commended the First Lady for the intervention and her contributions in areas such as health, agriculture, economic empowerment, and education.

The First Lady had earlier declared open the first Gombe State Health Summit, where she noted that “health is no longer a social service but a path to economic prosperity, social development, personal emancipation and national development.”

During her two-day visit to the state, the First Lady 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.