Flow With Confidence: Mrs Tinubu’s Menstrual Hygiene Project Reaches Oyo State Girls

…As 10,000 schoolgirls to receive one-year supply of sanitary pads in statewide rollout

…As Initiative targets menstrual poverty, encourages confidence among teenagers

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has launched the “Flow with Confidence” menstrual hygiene initiative in Oyo State, marking another major step in the nationwide distribution of 370,000 disposable sanitary pads to schoolgirls across the country.

Speaking at the launch, Senator Tinubu who was represented by the Wife of Oyo State Governor, Engr. Tamunumini Makinde announced that 10,000 packs of sanitary pads had been officially handed over for distribution to 10,000 beneficiaries in Oyo State.

She noted that each state of the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory, will receive an equal allocation of 10,000 packs as part of the Renewed Hope Initiative’s (RHI) commitment to improving menstrual hygiene and keeping girls in school.

Describing menstrual poverty as an urgent challenge affecting girls, especially in rural communities, the First Lady emphasized that no child should miss school simply because she cannot afford sanitary products.

She expressed concern that many students resort to unsafe alternatives or skip school entirely during their menstrual cycle, leading to academic setbacks and, in some cases, eventual dropout.

Senator Tinubu stated that the RHI opted for disposable pads to ensure safe, hygienic, and health-conscious menstrual care for young girls, reinforcing the organisation’s belief that “no girl should ever have to choose between her dignity and her education.”

The First Lady disclosed that the Renewed Hope Initiative spent ₦2.55 billion to procure the customised pads from a local manufacturer based in Ikorodu, Lagos, underscoring the Initiative’s support for indigenous production and job creation.

She appealed to the Oyo State Commissioner for Education to ensure transparent and direct distribution of the pads to deserving students across secondary schools, stressing that the items must not, under any circumstance, be sold.

Calling on corporate organisations, government agencies and well-meaning Nigerians, Senator Tinubu urged broader support for the Flow with Confidence programme to enable more girls to benefit from the initiative.

Addressing the beneficiaries, she encouraged them to remain focused on their education, avoid stigma, and “pursue their dreams boldly,” reminding them that they represent the future of the nation.

Earlier in her remarks, The Wife of Oyo State Governor, Engr. Tamunumini Makinde who was represented by the Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni expressed profound gratitude to the First Lady for her generosity in providing 12 packs of sanitary pads each, enough to last one year, to 10,000 schoolgirls across Oyo State.

She described the gesture as a demonstration of Senator Tinubu’s compassion and commitment to the advancement of the Nigerian girl-child.

The wife of Oyo State Governor, encouraged the girls present to embrace their monthly cycle confidently, affirming that menstruation is not a taboo but a shared experience among women.

She also addressed the challenges posed by menstrual cramps, urging teachers, parents and caregivers to support girls through discomfort that could hinder learning.

She noted that simple measures, such as staying hydrated, resting, gentle stretching, and using warm compressors, could help, along with professional medical advice when necessary.

Mrs. Makinde clarified that Monday’s event marked the symbolic flag-off of the sanitary pad distribution. Although the number of girls in the state far exceeds 10,000, she said the donation represents the beginning of broader interventions to come. Distribution will be handled transparently through the wives of Local Government Chairmen, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology.

She charged the Commissioner for Education, the Permanent Secretary and Directors in the ministry to ensure effective coordination, proper record-keeping and smooth communication with Local Government authorities.

She further stressed that the donated pads are strictly for the well-being of the girls and not for sale.

Reiterating her commitment to supporting girls and women in Oyo State, Mrs. Makinde affirmed her readiness to collaborate with the Office of the First Lady of Nigeria and other organisations focused on female development.

In her address, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi charged all the girl-child to always stay clean while on their menstrual period for healthy life.

She admonished them to always stay alert to their menstrual period for them to prepare them menstrual cycles and be sensitive to their body language.