First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has launched a nationwide initiative to distribute 370,000 sanitary pads to schoolgirls in rural areas, a project valued at N2.55 billion under her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI).
The programme, themed Flow with Confidence, was rolled out simultaneously in Borno, Cross River, Ekiti, Enugu, Gombe, Imo, Kebbi, and Lagos, with the rest of the states and the FCT expected to follow as supplies are delivered.
Represented at the Lagos launch by Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, wife of the Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Tinubu described the intervention as a major step to ensure girls do not miss classes or drop out of school due to lack of sanitary products.
“No girl should have to miss school because she cannot afford sanitary pads,” she said. “Many resort to unsafe alternatives or stay away from school altogether, falling behind in their studies. This must stop, and that is why we are here.”
Each state and the FCT will receive 10,000 packs, distributed through governors’ wives and RHI coordinators. She emphasized that the pads, procured from Uniglory Nigeria Limited in Ikorodu, are not for sale.
Mrs. Tinubu urged local government chairmen to ensure the pads reach girls in rural communities and called on companies, agencies, and community leaders to partner with RHI to expand the reach.
“For us at RHI, no girl should have to choose between her dignity and her education,” she added.
Lagos Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Alli-Balogun, commended the project, saying it reflects the First Lady’s commitment to supporting young girls, particularly at the grassroots.
