Borno: The programme, rolled out simultaneously in Borno, Ekiti, Enugu, Gombe, Imo, Kogi, Cross River, and Lagos States, aims to empower schoolgirls by improving menstrual health and hygiene. Each state, including the Federal Capital Territory, will receive 10,000 packs of disposable sanitary pads for distribution through state first ladies and RHI coordinators. Speaking at the launch, the first lady, who was represented by Nana Kashim Shettima, wife of the Vice President, stated that no girl should miss school due to her inability to afford sanitary products, emphasizing the issue faced by girls in rural communities.
According to Voice of Nigeria, in Borno State alone, 10,000 schoolgirls in rural communities will benefit, each receiving a one-year supply of sanitary pads. The initiative, under the education framework of the Renewed Hope Agenda, is expected to reach thousands of vulnerable girls across the country. The pads, customised and locally produced by Uni Glory Nigeria Limited in Lagos, cost the initiative ?2.55 billion. Mrs Shettima stressed that the pads are not to be sold under any circumstances.
She appealed to local government chairmen, traditional rulers, religious leaders, corporate organisations, and well-meaning Nigerians to support and monitor the distribution exercise, ensuring the pads reach the intended beneficiaries. Mrs Shettima officially launched the Flow with Confidence programme to benefit Nigerian schoolgirls.
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, represented by his Deputy, Umar Usman Kadafur, commended the First Lady for addressing the challenges of menstrual hygiene among schoolgirls. He highlighted that the initiative is about compassion, solidarity, and the government’s responsibility to protect the dignity of its citizens, particularly the most vulnerable.
The Governor assured Borno State Government’s unwavering support to complement the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, adding that the programme would restore confidence to young girls and reduce school absenteeism due to a lack of access to sanitary products.
The First Lady of Borno State, Dr Falmata Babagana Zulum, expressed appreciation for the gesture and ensured that the 10,000 sanitary packs allocated to Borno would be distributed fairly. The State Coordinator of RHI, Dr Falmata Babagana Zulum, noted the project’s commitment to empowering women and girls nationwide.
Other dignitaries present included local government chairmen, traditional rulers, religious leaders, school administrators, and women’s groups who pledged to monitor the distribution process to ensure accountability. The Flow with Confidence programme, under the education pillar of the Renewed Hope Agenda, is expected to reach girls across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.