The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, through her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), on Monday launched ‘Flow With Confidence’ programme in Ibadan, Oyo State, as part of a nationwide distribution of 370,000 disposable sanitary pads to schoolgirls across the 36 states and the FCT.
The Ibadan event drew thousands of schoolgirls, teachers, government officials, and community leaders. Senator Oluremi Tinubu, represented by the Oyo State First Lady, Engr. Tamunominini Makinde, formally handed over 10,000 sanitary pads for 10,000 schoolgirls in Oyo State.
According to the First Lady, the initiative aims to empower young girls with menstrual hygiene products and knowledge, boost their confidence, and eliminate school absenteeism caused by period poverty.
She added that each beneficiary would receive a one-year supply of disposable sanitary pads.
“It is unacceptable that in 2025, young girls still miss school because they cannot afford sanitary pads,” she said.
“Many girls resort to unsafe and unhygienic alternatives, and some even drop out of school because of shame or stigma. This must end.”
Senator Tinubu revealed that the Renewed Hope Initiative has invested ₦2,550,297,150 billion in procuring the pads and emphasized that the items are strictly not for sale.
She urged local government chairmen, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community stakeholders to ensure transparent and equitable distribution.
“For us at the Renewed Hope Initiative, no girl should have to choose between her dignity and her education. We ask stakeholders to key into the Flow With Confidence programme and safeguard the future of every Nigerian girl,” she added.
The Oyo State First Lady, Engr. Tamunominini Makinde who was also represented by the Head of Service, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni, expressed appreciation to Senator Tinubu and the Renewed Hope Initiative, describing the donation as timely and impactful.
“Menstruation is not a taboo, neither should it be a barrier to education. Every girl deserves to be supported, protected, and empowered,” she said.
“Oyo State remains committed to promoting the dignity and progress of the girl-child.”
She called on parents, teachers, and local government officials to support the programme and ensure its sustainability, noting that the gesture marks the beginning of a broader national commitment to menstrual health.
“There is no shame in menstruation. By providing these pads, we are giving girls the courage to stay in school and excel. Any investment in the girl-child is an investment in Nigeria’s future,” Mrs. Oni added.
The Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Olusegun Olayiwola, said the programme goes far beyond distributing sanitary pads. According to him, proper menstrual health management boosts self-esteem, hygiene, and academic performance among schoolgirls.
“Menstrual flow is a natural part of a girl’s development. With proper hygiene and confidence, no girl should ever be hindered academically,” he said.
“Governor Seyi Makinde’s government will continue to support initiatives that promote girl-child education and wellbeing.”
He also stressed the importance of regular handwashing, personal hygiene, and open conversations about menstruation, stating that stigma and secrecy only endanger young girls.
