First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has launched the nationwide distribution of the Flow with Confidence Menstrual Hygiene Packs, a flagship intervention aimed at ensuring young girls no longer miss school due to lack of access to sanitary products.
Speaking at the launch in Gombe on Thursday, Mrs. Tinubu described the initiative as a bold step under the Education framework of her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), designed to empower schoolgirls with dignity, knowledge, and confidence.
“In today’s modern world, no girl should have to miss school because of her inability to afford sanitary products,” she declared. “It is unacceptable that our girls, particularly in rural communities, face significant challenges during their menstrual cycle. Some are forced to stay at home, others resort to unsafe alternatives, and too many fall behind academically. This trend must end.”
To address this challenge, the First Lady announced that each state and the Federal Capital Territory will receive 10,000 packs of disposable sanitary pads for distribution through the State First Ladies and RHI Coordinators. According to her, each beneficiary girl will receive a one-year supply of pads, with 10,000 packs immediately handed over to the First Lady of Gombe State for rural distribution.
She urged traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community heads to ensure that the sanitary packs reach the intended beneficiaries, stressing that the intervention is targeted at the most vulnerable schoolgirls who cannot afford sanitary products.
The initiative received strong endorsements from top government officials. Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, and Minister of State for Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, both pledged federal support to expand access to menstrual hygiene products for more girls in underserved communities.
Governor of Gombe State, Inuwa Yahaya, commended the First Lady’s intervention, noting that her leadership in health, agriculture, economic empowerment, and education has brought tangible benefits to Nigerian families. He assured that the sanitary packs would be distributed transparently to deserving girls across the state.
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Earlier, Senator Oluremi Tinubu had declared open the maiden Gombe State Health Summit, where she underscored the link between health and national prosperity. “Health is no longer just a social service; it is a driver of economic growth, personal emancipation, and social development,” she said, reiterating her administration’s focus on women and youth-centered programmes.
As part of her two-day working visit to Gombe, the First Lady was also conferred with the traditional title of Sarauniya Yakin Kumo—the Queen Warrior of Kumo—by the Emir of Akko, His Royal Highness Alhaji Umaru Muh’d Atiku. The honor recognized her advocacy for women’s empowerment and her commitment to uplifting vulnerable groups across Nigeria.
The launch of the Flow with Confidence initiative marks a significant milestone in addressing menstrual health challenges in Nigeria, particularly for rural schoolgirls. Stakeholders believe it will not only reduce absenteeism among girls but also strengthen their confidence, ultimately contributing to higher school retention and improved educational outcomes.