Ado First Lady Champions Menstrual Health, Distributes Free Sanitary Pads to Schoolgirls
By Pan Afric Reporters
ADO, BENUE STATE — The First Lady of Ado Local Government, Christiana Oche, has distributed free sanitary pads to hundreds of schoolgirls and women across the council area in a move aimed at promoting menstrual health, girl-child empowerment and improved access to education.
The initiative, held under the “Pad a Girl Child” Programme of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) championed by Oluremi Tinubu, brought together students from secondary schools across the ten wards of Ado Local Government Area at the council secretariat conference hall.
The event was disclosed in a statement signed by Innocent Igelle, Principal Private Secretary to the Chairman of Ado Local Government.
With the theme, “Empower the Girl Child Through Dignity, Health, Education and Purposeful Living,” the programme went beyond the distribution of sanitary pads to include sensitisation on menstrual hygiene, child protection, sexual harassment awareness, leadership development and purposeful living.
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Oche said the programme was designed to empower girls with the knowledge, confidence and support needed to overcome challenges associated with menstruation and other social issues affecting their development.
She urged school principals to strengthen guidance and counselling services and encouraged girls to speak openly about menstrual health concerns.
“Girls experiencing menstrual health challenges, including menstrual cramps, should seek support and speak openly about their concerns,” she said.
The First Lady also assured participants that concerns and recommendations raised during the programme would be communicated to relevant authorities within the Renewed Hope Initiative.
Earlier, the Special Assistant to the Chairman on Education and Gender Mainstreaming, Hon. Halimat Ogaba, educated participants on proper menstrual hygiene practices, stressing the importance of regular pad changes, handwashing, personal cleanliness and proper disposal of used sanitary materials.
“Proper disposal of sanitary materials is essential in preventing environmental pollution and reducing the risk of disease transmission,” she stated.
Also speaking, the Child Protection Officer for Ado Local Government, Mrs. Patient Otsepa, warned students against child trafficking and exploitation, noting that traffickers often deceive victims with false promises of education and employment opportunities.
“Young people must remain vigilant and report suspicious activities. Combating human trafficking requires collective action,” she said.
On sexual harassment awareness, the Senior Special Assistant on Intergovernmental Affairs, Hon. Mrs. Elizabeth Agbese, reminded participants that every child deserves dignity, safety and respect.
“Reporting abuse is an act of self-protection, not disrespect. Students should make use of guidance and counselling units in their schools whenever necessary,” she advised.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Ado Local Government, Sunny Oche, commended the commitment of the council’s First Lady to women and child welfare initiatives.
He praised the vision of Senator Oluremi Tinubu in establishing a programme with nationwide impact and assured residents that the benefits intended for the girl-child would continue to reach deserving beneficiaries.
“The benefits intended for the girl-child will continue to reach deserving beneficiaries. We must also sustain awareness campaigns on personal hygiene and reproductive health to ensure lasting behavioural change,” he said.
The Coordinating Principal of Ado Local Government and Principal of Government College, Utonkon, Mr. Ebi George Bartholomew, described the programme as timely and impactful, while suggesting that future editions should also incorporate the boy-child to strengthen community support for girls’ welfare.
Similarly, the Area Education Officer, Mr. Boniface Ameh, commended the initiative for complementing efforts to improve student welfare, guidance and safety within schools.
The event featured cultural displays, poetry presentations and educational performances by students from Government College, Utonkon, and Igumale Community Secondary School, who expressed appreciation to the Renewed Hope Initiative for its intervention.
The highlight of the programme was the distribution of sanitary pads to schoolgirls and women in attendance, a gesture aimed at improving menstrual hygiene management and boosting the confidence and well-being of beneficiaries.
Organisers said the initiative reflects the commitment of the Renewed Hope Initiative and key stakeholders, including Hyacinth Alia, to advancing the welfare, health and educational opportunities of women and girls across Benue State.
