The wife of Nigeria’s President, Oluremi Tinubu, has distributed 10,000 packs of menstrual hygiene products to schoolchildren across Zamfara State.

Speaking at the event to launch the distribution held in Gusau on Wednesday, the First Lady said the Renewed Hope Initiative, “Flow with Confidence,” a vital menstrual health intervention, is designed to empower schoolgirls by promoting knowledge, dignity, and confidence through improved menstrual hygiene.

According to her, the programme had already been launched in some states of the federation, and now it is the turn of Zamfara.

The First Lady, who spoke through the Zamfara Governor’s Wife, Hajiya Huriyya Lawal, said in today’s modern world, no girl should have to miss school because of her inability to afford sanitary products.

“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”, she said.

“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 dropping out of school.

“This trend must end, and this intervention, under the Education framework of the Renewed Hope Initiative, is what it’s aimed at doing.

“We will be distributing a one-year supply of disposable sanitary pads to 10,000 school girls in rural communities across Zamfara.

“Today, I will be handing over 10,000 packs of disposable sanitary pads for distribution to 10,000 deserving girls in rural communities across Zamfara. Each beneficiary will receive a one-year supply of the pads.

“We chose disposable sanitary pads because they offer a simple, hygienic option that offers better health benefits for a woman’s reproductive health.

“It is believed that no girl should ever have to choose between her dignity and her education. Therefore, the success of Flow with Confidence programme depends on all of us. I would like to specifically appeal to the Executive Chairmen of Local Government Areas, given your critical position as the arm of government closest to the people and your role in delivering essential services.

“It is crucial that you take ownership of this intervention, scale-up and ensure these supplies get directly to deserving girls in our rural communities. The pads are not to be sold under any circumstance.”

The Renewed Hope Initiative spent a total of two billion, five hundred and fifty million, two hundred and ninety-seven thousand, one hundred and fifty naira to procure these customised disposable sanitary pads from a local manufacturing company, Uniglory Nigeria Limited, in Ikorodu, Lagos State.

She urged corporate organisations, parastatals and agencies, as well as well-meaning Nigerians, to key into the Flow with Confidence programme, to empower and reach as many girls as possible.

“The traditional, religious and community leaders, the journey cannot do without your support. I urged you to monitor the distribution exercise in your communities and ensure that you support our girls in growing into responsible and informed adults.

“And for 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 let shame or stigma 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.

“I charge us all to commit to the dignity, well-being and future of every Nigerian girl. Together, let us keep this promise that our girls will always have the support they need to live, learn, thrive and Flow with Confidence,” she said.

In her remarks, the Chairperson of the Secondary Schools Education Board, Hajiya Kulu Naalah, commended the First Lady for introducing the program.

Naalah, represented by the Principal of Government Girls Day Secondary School, Tudunwada, Zainab Ibrahim, assured that the program would receive maximum support to enable the upcoming generation to acquire knowledge with dignity.