Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has flagged off a nationwide menstrual health campaign aimed at keeping girls in school by addressing period poverty, starting with a formal launch in Owerri, Imo State.
The initiative, themed “ _Flow with Confidence_ ,” falls under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) and seeks to provide a year’s supply of sanitary pads to 370,000 schoolgirls in underserved rural communities across the country.
The sanitary products, valued at ₦2.55 billion, were procured from Uniglory Nigeria Ltd., a local manufacturer, to also encourage local content and job creation.
Represented by the wife of the Imo State Governor, Mrs. Chioma Uzodinma, the First Lady said the intervention was designed to close the gap between menstrual health and girls’ education, especially in remote areas where access to sanitary products remains limited.
“It is unacceptable that a girl would miss school simply because she cannot afford sanitary pads,” Mrs. Tinubu said.
“This programme is not just about hygiene; it is about dignity, access to education, and empowering the girl child.”
She disclosed that each state, including the Federal Capital Territory, will receive 10,000 packs of sanitary pads for distribution to girls in rural schools, adding that strict monitoring will be in place to prevent diversion or misuse.
“These pads must never be sold under any circumstances,” she warned.
“We call on local government chairmen, traditional rulers, and religious leaders to take ownership of the distribution to ensure these items get to the girls who need them most.”
The First Lady also called on the beneficiaries to “stay in school, support one another, and never let stigma steal your confidence.”
Medical expert and Consultant Gynaecologist, Dr. Emily Akuabia-Nzeribe, who delivered a lecture at the event, said menstrual health carries multiple burdens—physical, psychological, economic, and social.
“The physical effects can lead to infections and infertility if poor hygiene is maintained. Socially, girls face stigma, bullying, and shame. Economically, period poverty keeps many girls at home during their cycle because their families simply cannot afford sanitary products,” she said.
Dr. Akuabia-Nzeribe praised the First Lady’s initiative, describing it as a timely intervention that goes beyond hygiene to foster inclusivity, environmental sustainability, and gender equity.
“By tackling the economic side of menstruation, the Renewed Hope Initiative is helping thousands of girls reclaim their education and self-worth,” she added.
The campaign was simultaneously launched in eight pilot states—Borno, Cross River, Ekiti, Enugu, Gombe, Imo, Kebbi, and Lagos—with more states expected to roll out the programme in the coming weeks.
The event was attended by schoolgirls, teachers, public officials, and health experts, all rallying around the message that menstrual dignity is a fundamental right, not a privilege.
