First Lady donates 10,000 free sanitary pads to Niger schoolgirls

The Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), the flagship project of First Lady Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, has distributed 10,000 free customised disposable sanitary pads to schoolgirls across Niger State.

Our correspondent reports that the distribution took place on Thursday at Aliyu Muazu Memorial Primary School, Minna, as part of efforts to promote menstrual hygiene and reduce absenteeism among female students.

The intervention forms part of the national rollout of the “Flow with Confidence” programme, which aims to donate 370,000 sanitary pads to schoolgirls across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Represented by Hajiya Fatima Bago, Wife of the Niger Governor and state RHI Coordinator, the First Lady said the initiative empowered girls with menstrual health knowledge, dignity, and confidence.

“No girl should miss school due to menstruation.

“It is unacceptable that girls, especially in rural areas, are absent because they cannot afford sanitary pads,” she said.

She added that some girls resorted to unsafe alternatives, exposing them to infections, while others risk dropping out entirely, stressing that no girl should choose between her education and dignity.

Mrs Tinubu said each state, including the FCT, would receive 10,000 packs, with more than 50 schools across Niger State benefitting and 10 students per school receiving a one-year supply of 12 pads each.

She disclosed that RHI spent about N2.5 billion to procure the customised pads and called on corporate organisations, parastatals, and well-meaning Nigerians to support the initiative for wider reach.

Mrs Mary Noel-Berje, Special Adviser to the Niger Governor on Women Affirmative Action, said the distribution was a bold step toward strengthening the dignity, confidence, and wellbeing of young girls, improving learning outcomes and future opportunities.

Hajiya Maimunat Tahir, Project Coordinator of the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE), noted the programme aligned with government efforts to uplift adolescent girls, including scholarships and safe-space training.

Dr Valda Martins, a lecturer at the Federal University of Technology (FUT) Minna, educated students on proper use and disposal of pads, highlighting personal hygiene during menstruation.

Some beneficiaries, including Favour Ayeni of Maryam Babangida Girls Science College and Shamesiya Garba of Government Day Secondary School, Maitumbi, expressed gratitude to the First Lady for the initiative.

Our correspondent reports that Niger State is exploring ways to replicate the annual distribution of free pads to schoolgirls, ensuring continued support for menstrual health and education.