By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
Wife of the President, Oluremi Tinubu, has disclosed that the sum of N2.55 billion was spent under the Renewed Hope Initiative to procure 370,000 pieces of customised disposable sanitary pads from a local manufacturing company.
Mrs Tinubu disclosed this during the distribution of 10,000 sanitary pads to schoolgirls from across the 33 local government areas in Oyo State on Monday, November 24, in Ibadan.
The First Lady, represented at the event by the wife of Oyo State governor, Mrs Tamunomini Makinde, said each state and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will be receiving 10,000 pads through the state’s First Lady and the Renewed Hope Initiative coordinator to support girls and those who are unable to afford sanitary pads.
She also noted that the pads are not to be sold, urging local government authorities to ensure the sanitary pads get to deserving girls in rural communities.
“I want to especially 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. You must take ownership of this intervention. Scale it up and ensure these supplies get directly to the deserving girls in our rural communities.
“The pads are not to be sold under any circumstances. Now, the Renewed Hope Initiative spent a total of N2.55 billion to procure these customised disposable sanitary pads from a local manufacturing company,” she said.
Mrs Tinubu stressed that no girl should have to miss school because of the inability to afford sanitary products in today’s modern world, adding that the gesture is part of efforts to empower young girls and ensure they maintain dignity, confidence, and proper menstrual hygiene.
She said: “It is unacceptable that our girls 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 of our girls are using unsafe and unhygienic alternatives, while others stay at home, falling behind in their studies, and in some cases even dropping out of school. This trend must end, and this intervention under the education framework of the Renewed Hope Initiative is aimed at doing so.
“We will be distributing disposable sanitary pads to 370,000 school girls in communities across the nation at the end of this programme.”
She also charged the beneficiaries to ensure they study hard and pursue their dreams as future leaders of the nation.
“To our dear students and beneficiaries, this is for you. All 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. I charge you all to commit to the dignity, well-being, and the future of every Nigerian girl,” she said.
