A/Ibom Acting First Lady Educates 500 Girls On Menstrual Hygiene

Under the Golden Initiative for All (GIFA), the pet project of her mother, Patience Umo Eno, the Acting First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, Mrs Helen Eno-Obareki, has underscored the importance of menstrual hygiene among young girls, advising female adolescents to maintain high standards of cleanliness during their monthly flow.

As part of the initiative, she launched a sensitisation programme across public secondary schools in the Ikot Ekpene Federal Constituency—covering Ikot Ekpene, Obot Akara and Essien Udim local government areas—where hundreds of teenage girls were educated on menstrual hygiene and provided with sanitary pads and other hygiene materials to support effective menstrual health management.

The intervention, tagged “Understanding Menstruation,” held at the Grooves Memorial Methodist Church, Ikot Ekpene, and brought together participants from the three local government areas.

Speaking at the event, the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, who also serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of GIFA, Lady Helen Eno-Obareki, described “period poverty” as a silent challenge affecting the confidence, education and future of many young girls.

She told the 500 secondary school girls and church members that menstruation is a natural and healthy part of womanhood and should never be associated with shame, fear or stigma, stressing the need for proper education and access to hygiene materials.

“No girl should have to miss school, feel ashamed, or be held back simply because of her period. I encourage every girl here to break the silence around menstruation. I want you to speak up, ask questions, and seek guidance when you need it. There is no shame in learning about your body. Knowledge will always give you power,” she said.

The First Lady-designate further urged teachers, guardians and caregivers to create safe and supportive environments where girls can freely discuss menstrual health without embarrassment, noting that society must replace myths and silence with accurate medical information.

“The Patience Umo Eno Golden Initiative for All (GIFA) is not only handing over sanitary materials but also equipping you with knowledge on menstrual hygiene management. We are teaching you how to take care of yourselves, stay healthy and build confidence during your menstrual cycle,” she said.

Lady Obareki commended the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for supporting the distribution of sanitary pads to 370,000 schoolgirls nationwide under the Renewed Hope Initiative’s “Flow With Confidence” campaign, noting that the programme is helping reduce school absenteeism linked to menstruation.

She also praised the state governor for prioritising human capital development through the ARISE Agenda, particularly in education, healthcare, and the welfare of women and children.

Lady Obareki expressed appreciation to Grooves Memorial Methodist Church for hosting the programme, as well as resource persons, GIFA team members, partners, stakeholders and volunteers for their contributions to the success of the intervention.

She further charged teachers and caregivers to provide both practical and emotional support to girls, helping them understand their bodies and build confidence.

“Let us replace myths with medical facts and silence with support. You are the gatekeepers of their confidence, so let us normalise these conversations in our homes, schools, and communities,” she added.