Wife of Enugu state Governor, Mrs Nkechinyere Mbah, Wednesday, distributed sanitary pads, roll-on,and other items to the students of Sedes Sapientiae Girls Secondary school.Oghe, Ezeagu Local Government Area of the state in commemoration of the 2025 International Menstrual Hygiene Day .
Speaking at the occasion with the Theme “Together for a period-friendly world”, Mrs Mbah said the event was to help the students understand menstrual hygiene .She expressed commitment to championing the menstrual hygiene campaign in the state. disclosing that she will work closely with relevant ministries , international partners, Non- Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and Community leaders to improve water, sanitation and hygiene infrastructure in schools., empower women economically, and promote supportive environment and distribution of affordable sanitary products.
She mentioned poverty, lack of access to affordable sanitary products, inadequate water supply, inadequate sanitation facilities and cultural backgrounds as some challenges affecting menstrual hygiene management which according to her, contribute to low self esteem, some students being absent from school, low self esteem and health complications.
Pix: Dr. Vitalis Ndu, Chairman , Ezeagu Local Government Area
The Governor’s wife urged parents to talk openly with their daughters, to policy makers, she urged policy makers to include menstrual health in their plans.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of Ezeagu Local Government Area, Dr.Vitalis Ndu thanked the wife of the Governor for choosing Ezeagu for the programme. He said his administration had delivered democracy dividends to the people by executing or some projects ,which included construction of roads to create road network where needed.
He promised to cascade the campaign downc to other girls secondary schools. He , building of a pa called on parents to learn about menstrual hygiene to be able to pass it to b wards effectively.
In her remarks, the wife of Ezeagu Local Government Area, Mrs Joy Ndu told the governor’s wife that her passion for teaching the children about menstrual hygiene showed that she was a mother indeed. She thanked her for her numerous programmes in the state and for bringing the programme to Ezeagu Local Government Area.
Students who spoke to Newsmen thanked Governor Mbah ‘s wife for her kind gesture. They promised to put all the knowledge they acquired into use .
In a health talk on menstrual hygiene, a medical personnel, Nurse Chinaza Akpa of the Government Hose Medical team said menstruations signifies that a girl can convince . It She taught the students how to check their cycle, how to manage menstrual cramp, and how to maintain good hygiene during their period.
Highlights of the event were presentation of welcome song and cultural.dance by the students.
May 28 every year is marked as international Menstrual Hygiene Day, Enugu state celebrated the day taking the campaign to the grassroot.
Author: Maureen Ikpeama