The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, has launched a national menstrual health project under her Renewed Hope Initiative, tagged “Flow with Confidence.” The programme is aimed at empowering schoolgirls, promoting menstrual hygiene, and restoring their dignity during their menstrual cycle.
At the Ekiti State flag-off ceremony held at Lady Jibowu Hall, Ado-Ekiti, Senator Tinubu was represented by the state’s First Lady, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, who also serves as the State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative. She disclosed that Ekiti received an allocation of 10,000 sanitary pads to be distributed equitably across the state, particularly in rural communities where many girls struggle to access such products.
Dr. Oyebanji described the programme as a timely intervention to address the challenges faced by adolescent girls, especially the stigma, ridicule, and loss of self-confidence that often accompany menstruation in schools.
“It is wrong for girls to miss school during their periods because they cannot afford sanitary pads or fear stained clothes. Through this initiative, young girls will not only receive sanitary pads but also gain the confidence to embrace their education without disruption. This gesture is about health, dignity, and self-esteem.” She said.
She urged beneficiaries not to sell the pads but to use them properly, emphasizing that the project was designed to safeguard their health and prevent infections linked to unhygienic alternatives such as rags or tissues.
Also speaking at the launch, the Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, represented by his Deputy, Chief Monisade Afuye, commended Senator Tinubu’s compassion and dedication to the welfare of women and girls nationwide. He noted that the initiative would reduce school absenteeism among girls and protect their dignity.
“This is a laudable step towards ensuring menstrual health, reducing the risk of infections, and enabling our girls to stay in school with confidence. We appreciate the First Lady of Nigeria for extending this support to every state, and we are particularly grateful for the 10,000 pads allocated to Ekiti.” He said.
The event also featured a lecture delivered by Dr. Olukemi Akinyemi of the Department of Guidance and Counselling, University of Ibadan, who encouraged the girls to view menstruation not as a source of shame but as a natural process and a sign of strength.
“Menstruation is not something to hide or be embarrassed about. It is part of womanhood. Use your sanitary pads correctly, maintain good hygiene, and talk to your mothers, sisters, or trusted adults whenever you need guidance. Above all, never let menstruation hold you back from achieving your dreams.” She said.
The gathering, which was attended by state officials, members of ALGON, women’s groups such as the Amazons, and schoolgirls, underscored the importance of menstrual health in sustaining girls’ education. Beneficiaries expressed joy and gratitude, noting that the pads would help them attend school regularly and boost their confidence among peers.
By distributing 370,000 sanitary pads nationwide, Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative has taken a bold step in addressing period poverty, fighting stigma, and ensuring that no Nigerian girl is left behind in her education because of menstruation.