Adamawa First Lady Launches Distribution of 50,000 Sanitary Pads to Secondary Schools

By Emmanuel Kwada

The wife of the Adamawa State Governor, Hajiya Dr. Lami Ahmadu Fintiri, has launched the distribution of 50,000 sanitary pads donated by the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) to 424 secondary schools across the state as part of efforts to improve menstrual hygiene and support the education of adolescent girls.

The launch ceremony, held on Tuesday at Government Girls Secondary School (GGSS), Yola, marked Adamawa State’s participation in the nationwide “Flow With Confidence” Menstrual Hygiene Initiative championed by Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, who also serves as National Chairman of the Renewed Hope Initiative.

Speaking at the event, Hajiya Lami Fintiri described the programme as a transformative intervention aimed at promoting dignity, self-confidence, and uninterrupted education for girls, particularly those in rural and underserved communities.

She stressed that menstruation should never be a barrier to education, noting that many girls still miss classes or resort to unsafe alternatives due to a lack of access to sanitary products.

“When a girl is empowered with the right support, she gains the confidence to learn, grow, and achieve her dreams. Menstrual hygiene is not just a health issue; it is a matter of dignity, education, and equal opportunity,” she said.

The First Lady explained that under the distribution plan, each of the state’s 407 mixed secondary schools will receive 20 packs of sanitary pads, while 17 girls-only schools, including the Federal Government Girls College, Yola, will receive 50 packs each.

As Adamawa State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative, she disclosed that transportation support had been provided to facilitate the movement of the sanitary pads to all 21 local government areas of the state.

She urged school principals and the wives of local government chairmen to ensure prompt distribution of the materials and proper documentation of the exercise to guarantee accountability and create awareness.

Hajiya Lami Fintiri also called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, parents, teachers, and community stakeholders to support the initiative and ensure the products reach the intended beneficiaries, especially vulnerable girls.

She expressed appreciation to Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her commitment to advancing the welfare, health, and education of girls across Nigeria through the Renewed Hope Initiative.

In her remarks, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development described the programme as a timely intervention that would enhance menstrual hygiene awareness and improve school attendance among adolescent girls.

The Executive Secretary of the Post Primary Schools Management Board also commended the First Lady for her continued support for education and student welfare in the state.

Goodwill messages were delivered by the Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Wunfe B. Anthony; the Executive Chairperson of the Adamawa State Planning Commission, Dr. Mary Paninga; and the Principal of Government Girls Secondary School, Yola, Hajiya Rukayya Chumaro, who collectively praised the initiative for its potential to positively impact thousands of young girls across Adamawa State.

The event attracted government officials, wives of political office holders, women groups, school administrators, teachers, and students from across the state.

Highlights of the ceremony included the symbolic presentation of sanitary pads by the First Lady, an educational playlet by students, and a drama presentation emphasizing menstrual hygiene awareness, self-confidence, and the importance of keeping girls in school.