First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu has launched the Renewed Hope Initiative’s (RHI) “Flow with Confidence” menstrual health programme in Zamfara State, aimed at promoting menstrual hygiene, dignity, and school attendance among girls in rural communities.
Speaking at the official flag-off ceremony in Gusau, Mrs Tinubu said the initiative was designed to ensure that no girl in Nigeria misses school due to lack of access to sanitary products.
“In today’s modern world, no girl should have to miss school because she cannot afford sanitary pads. It is unacceptable that our girls still face such challenges, especially in rural areas,” she said.
Under the nationwide initiative, the First Lady announced that 370,000 schoolgirls across the country would receive a one-year supply of disposable sanitary pads. Each state, including the Federal Capital Territory, will get 10,000 packs for free distribution to beneficiaries.
She disclosed that the Renewed Hope Initiative spent ₦2.55 billion to procure the customised disposable pads from Uniglory Nigeria Limited, a local manufacturing company in Ikorodu, Lagos State.
“I urge corporate organisations, agencies, and well-meaning Nigerians to support this intervention so that we can reach more girls,” she added.
Mrs Tinubu emphasised that the pads are not to be sold and called on local government chairmen to ensure transparent distribution directly to deserving girls.
The First Lady also appealed to traditional, religious, and community leaders to monitor the exercise and encourage beneficiaries to stay in school.
“To our dear students and beneficiaries: this is for you. Do not sell the pads. Stay in school, study hard, and never allow shame or stigma to take away your confidence,” she urged.
Declaring the programme open, Mrs Tinubu said, “In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent and the Merciful, I hereby launch the distribution of the Flow with Confidence Menstrual Hygiene packs in our beloved state, Zamfara.”
