BREAKING NEWS: First Lady Remi Tinubu Unveils N2.55 Billion Sanitary Pad Scheme To Keep Nigerian Schoolgirls In Class

Abuja— In a bold push to tackle menstrual poverty and school absenteeism among young girls, Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has launched a ₦2.55 billion nationwide sanitary pad distribution initiative.

The programme, flagged off under her Renewed Hope Initiative, aims to ensure that millions of schoolgirls, especially those from rural and low-income families, no longer miss out on education simply because they cannot afford menstrual hygiene products.

Mrs. Tinubu, speaking at the unveiling ceremony, described the project as a lifeline for adolescent girls struggling with both financial hardship and cultural stigma surrounding menstruation. She stressed that the intervention is not just about hygiene but about “restoring dignity, promoting confidence, and ensuring that no girl child is left behind in the pursuit of education.”

According to her, the N2.55 billion intervention will be rolled out across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with each state receiving an allocation tailored to reach secondary schools and rural communities most affected.

Education and health experts present at the event hailed the initiative as “a game-changer,” noting that over 23 percent of Nigerian schoolgirls miss classes monthly due to lack of sanitary pads, often leading to learning gaps and, in some cases, school dropouts.

Stakeholders called on state governments, corporate bodies, and NGOs to complement the First Lady’s effort, stressing that sustainable menstrual health management requires continuous funding, awareness campaigns, and local pad production to make the project long-lasting.

With this move, Remi Tinubu positions herself not just as Nigeria’s First Lady, but also as a champion of girl-child education and dignity, delivering a message of hope to millions of families.