Ogun to give 10,000 rural girls free sanitary pads
The wife of the Ogun State governor, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, on Tuesday, launched the distribution of free sanitary pads to 10,000 girls across the state.
Speaking at the event held at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Abeokuta, Mrs Abiodun said the programme is being implemented under the Renewed Hope Initiative’s “Flow with Confidence” campaign, spearheaded by the wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
The governor’s wife described the initiative as a vital menstrual health intervention designed to empower schoolgirls by promoting knowledge, dignity, and confidence through improved menstrual hygiene.
Abiodun 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 continue to face significant challenges during their menstrual cycles, especially those in rural communities who miss school days every month because they cannot afford sanitary pads.
“Some 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.
“This trend must end, and this intervention, under the education framework of the Renewed Hope Initiative, is aimed at doing just that.”
She explained that under the project, a total of 370,000 free sanitary pads will be distributed to schoolgirls in rural communities across the country.
According to her, all states and the Federal Capital Territory will receive 10,000 packs each, through the state first ladies and RHI coordinators, for onward distribution to girls in rural areas and those who cannot afford sanitary pads.
The governor’s wife added, “Today, I will be handing over 10,000 packs of disposable sanitary pads for distribution to 10,000 deserving girls in rural communities across Ogun State.
“Each beneficiary will receive a one-year supply of pads. We chose disposable sanitary pads because they provide a simple, hygienic option that offers better health benefits for women’s reproductive well-being.”
The Firstlady, however, noted that the success of the Flow with Confidence programme depends on collective support. She appealed to local government chairmen, being the closest tier of government to the people, to ensure the project’s success.
She also urged traditional, religious, and community leaders to support the initiative by monitoring distribution in their communities and ensuring that girls are guided to grow into responsible and informed adults.
Addressing the students and beneficiaries, Abiodun said, “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.”
She further called on Nigerians to commit to the dignity, well-being, and future of every Nigerian girl, emphasising the need to ensure that “our girls will always have the support they need to live, learn, thrive, and flow with confidence.”
Menstrual health remains a significant challenge for many Nigerian girls, marked by high rates of period poverty, stigma, lack of education, and inadequate access to hygiene facilities.
Factors such as the high cost of sanitary products, poor WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) infrastructure, and cultural taboos contribute to absenteeism, the use of unhygienic alternatives, and poor menstrual health outcomes.