Senator Oluremi Tinubu has unveiled the ‘Flow with Confidence Sanitary Pad Initiative’, a nationwide programme focused on improving menstrual health among schoolgirls.
The launch took place on Tuesday, the 24th of February, 2026, in Umuahia, the Abia State capital. The First Lady was represented by the wife of the Abia State Governor, Mrs Priscilla Otti.
She said the project seeks to equip girls with knowledge about menstrual hygiene while helping them build confidence and self-respect.
She stressed that no student should stay away from school because she cannot afford sanitary products.
“It is unacceptable that our girls still face significant challenges during their menstrual cycle. Menstruation is natural, and it must never stand in the way of education, confidence, or self-worth,” she said.
The initiative targets girls across the federation, with strong attention on rural communities.
“Under the initiative, one year’s supply of disposable sanitary pads will be distributed to 370,000 schoolgirls in rural communities nationwide, with 10,000 packs allocated to each state.
“This intervention is to support girls in rural communities and those unable to afford sanitary pads.
“Each beneficiary will receive a one-year supply. We chose disposable sanitary pads because they provide a safer hygiene option for women’s reproductive wellbeing,” she added.
Otti urged the students to stay focused on their studies, stand by one another and refuse to let stigma weaken their confidence. She encouraged them to take full advantage of the support and aim high in their pursuits.
Guest speaker Joy Okechukwu addressed the girls on maintaining proper hygiene during menstruation. She called for open discussions and better awareness around menstrual health.
“It is very important that a young girl is educated and well-grounded in proper personal hygiene during menstruation,” she stated.
Dr Theodora Ngozika Igboaruka also spoke, highlighting the roles of parents, schools and health workers in guiding adolescents and creating safe spaces for them.
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The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Women Affairs, Mrs Chinenye Nwaka, thanked the First Lady for championing the programme.
“I am proud to see this programme launched in Abia State. On behalf of the First Lady of Abia State, we are deeply pleased and honoured,” she said.
Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr Maureen Aghukwa, described the initiative as a strong response to menstrual poverty. She noted that many girls miss classes or struggle with low self-esteem due to lack of access to sanitary materials.
“Our ministry will work closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure effective distribution and sustained advocacy for menstrual hygiene education across communities,” she assured.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Health, Prof Enoch Ogbonnaya-Uche, pointed to the health benefits of proper menstrual hygiene. He said safe practices help prevent infections and protect the reproductive health of young girls.
He pledged continued health education, community outreach and monitoring to support the programme.
The event featured the official declaration and distribution of the Flow with Confidence sanitary pads by Mrs Otti, reinforcing the shared resolve to promote safe menstrual hygiene and support the education of girls nationwide.