First lady Oluremi Tinubu says no girl should miss school because she cannot afford sanitary products.
Mrs Tinubu, who was represented by Seun Aiyedatiwa, the wife of Ondo State governor, stated this on Monday during the distribution of 10,000 sanitary pads to school girls in Akure.
“It is unacceptable that our girls still continue to face significant challenges during their menstrual cycle, especially those in rural communities, who miss school days every month because they cannot afford sanitary pads.
“Some who attend resort to using unsafe and unhygienic alternatives, while others stay at home altogether, falling behind in their studies and, in some cases, eventually drop out of school.
“This trend must end, and this intervention, under the education framework of the Renewed Hope Initiative( RHI) is aimed at doing just that.
“We will be distributing one-year supply of disposable sanitary pads to 370,000 school girls in rural communities across the nation at the end of this programme.
“All states and the Federal Capital Territory will receive 10,000 packs each through the state First Ladies and RHI Coordinators,” she stated.
She added that the initiative was to support girls in rural communities and those who were unable to afford sanitary pads.
According to her, a choice of disposable sanitary pads is taken because it offers a simple, hygienic option that offers better health benefits for a woman’s reproductive well-being.
The first lady noted that the RHI believed no girl should ever have to choose between her dignity and her education.
She asked local government chairmen in the country to take ownership of the intervention, scale-up and ensure the supplies get directly to deserving girls in rural communities.
“The pads are not to be sold under any circumstance.
“The Renewed Hope Initiative spent N2,550,297,150 to procure these customised disposable sanitary pads from a local manufacturing company, Uniglory Nigeria Limited in Ikorodu, Lagos State.
“I, therefore, urge corporate organisations, parastatals and agencies, and well-meaning Nigerians to key into the Flow with Confidence programme, so that we can empower and reach as many girls as possible.
“To our traditional, religious and community leaders, we cannot do this without your support.
“I urge you to monitor the distribution exercise in your communities and ensure to support our girls to grow into responsible and informed adults.
“To our dear students and beneficiaries: this is for you. Make the most of it and do not sell the pads. Stay in school, study hard, support one another and never allow shame or stigma to take away your confidence.
“ Use this opportunity to pursue your dreams boldly, because you are the future of this nation and I believe in you,” she said.
Mrs Tinubu tasked all and sundry to commit to the dignity, well-being and future of every Nigerian girl, stating that Nigerian girls would always have the support needed to live, learn, thrive and flow with confidence.
(NAN)