The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has reaffirmed her commitment to improving menstrual health and education for girls across the country through the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) “Flow with Confidence” programme.
She made this known during the official launch of the programme held at Government Girls Day Secondary School (GGDSS), Tudun Wada, Gusau.
Represented by the First Lady of Zamfara State, Hajiya Huriyya Dauda Lawal, Senator Tinubu described the initiative as a vital menstrual health intervention designed to empower schoolgirls by promoting knowledge, dignity, and confidence through improved menstrual hygiene practices.
“In today’s modern world, no girl should have to miss school because she cannot afford sanitary products. It is unacceptable that our girls continue to face challenges during their menstrual cycle, especially those in rural communities who often miss school or resort to unsafe alternatives,” she said.
Senator Tinubu explained that under the Renew Hope Initiative education framework, a total of 370,000 schoolgirls in rural communities across the country would benefit from a one-year supply of disposable sanitary pads, with each state and the Federal Capital Territory receiving 10,000 packs.
During the launching, Senator Oluremi Tinubu handed over 10,000 packs of disposable sanitary pads for distribution to deserving girls in rural communities across the state.
The First Lady disclosed that, the Renewed Hope Initiative spent a total of ₦2,550,297,150 to procure the customized sanitary pads from a local manufacturing company based in Lagos State and called on corporate organizations, parastatals, agencies, and well-meaning Nigerians to partner with the initiative to expand its reach and impact.
Senator Tinubu also appealed to local government chairmen to ensure proper and transparent distribution of the pads, stressing that the items must not be sold under any circumstances.
“Take ownership of this intervention and ensure the supplies get directly to deserving girls in our rural communities. The pads are not to be sold under any circumstance,” she said.
She further urged traditional, religious, and community leaders to support and monitor the distribution exercise, ensuring that beneficiaries use the items responsibly.
The First Lady also encouraged students to remain confident, stay in school, and never allow stigma or shame to undermine their education or self-worth.
Speaking at the event, the Emir of Anka and Chairman of the Zamfara State Council of Chiefs, Alhaji Attahiru Muhammad Ahmad commended the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her continuous humanitarian support to the people of Zamfara State.
Alhaji Ahmad also applauded the wife of Zamfara State Governor for providing various support of kindness to the people at the Grassroot.
“This is one among many initiatives she has carried out since assuming office, and I am still compiling the list of her numerous interventions,” he said.
“Everyone in Zamfara and beyond can see the light of her good works. Only someone underground would fail to see the impact of Her Excellency’s kindness,” the Emir said metaphorically.
Representatives of the Commissioners for Education, Women Affairs, and Finance, along with other stakeholders, attended the ceremony, where some students various secondary received sanitary pads free.
COV/AMINU DALHATU.
