By Muhammad Amaan
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has flagged off the distribution of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) ‘Flow with Confidence’ Menstrual Hygiene packs to 10,000 school girls in rural communities across Kwara state.
Mrs Tinubu, who was represented by Kwara Governor’s Wife, Ambassador Olufolake AbdulRazaq reaffirmed her confidence in the school girls, stressing “you are the future of this nation and I believe in you.”
She said that it was unacceptable that girls still faced significant challenges during their menstrual cycle, especially those in rural communities, who miss school every month because they cannot afford sanitary pads.
The first lady said that some girls who attend school 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.
“I am delighted to be in Kwara to officially launch the Renewed Hope Initiative Flow with Confidence,” a vital menstrual health intervention designed to empower our precious school girls by promoting knowledge, dignity and confidence through improved menstrual hygiene.
“In today’s modern world, no girl should have to miss school because of her inability to afford sanitary products. This trend must end, and this intervention, under the education framework of the 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 governor’s spouses and RHI Coordinators. This is to support our girls in rural communities and those who are unable to afford sanitary pads.
“Today, I will be handing over 10,000 packs of disposable sanitary pads to the First Lady of Kwara for distribution to 10,000 deserving girls in rural communities across the state.
“For us at the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), we believe that no girl should ever have to choose between her dignity and her education,” Tinubu said.
She charged the Executive Chairmen of Local Government Areas, to take ownership of the intervention, scale-up and ensure these supplies get directly to deserving girls in the country’s rural communities.
“The pads are not to be sold under any circumstance. The RHI spent over N2 billion to procure these customised disposable sanitary pads from a local manufacturing company.
“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,” Tinubu said.
She urged traditional, religious and community leaders, to support and monitor the distribution exercise in their communities and ensure girls to grow into responsible and informed adults.
“To our dear students and beneficiaries, 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. I charge us all to commit to the dignity, well-being and future of every Nigerian girl,” she said.
