By SCM Correspondent, SE I Wednesday, Nov.12, 2025
AWKA, Anambra – The First Lady of Anambra State, Dr. (Mrs.) Nonye Soludo, has cautioned young girls against the false belief that sleeping with men can stop menstrual pain.
Mrs. Soludo gave the warning during the National Launch of the “Flow With Confidence” Initiative of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), of the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu held on Wednesday in Awka.
The event also featured the donation of over 10,000 disposable sanitary pads to schoolgirls in Anambra State, courtesy of Nigeria’s First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Soludo who is also the founder of the Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo Initiative described painful menstruation as a normal biological experience, urging girls not to be deceived by harmful myths.
“There is a wrong belief out there that when a girl experiences painful menstruation, she needs to sleep with a man to stop the pain. That is false, dangerous, and misleading,” “Menstrual pain is natural, and no one should be deceived into making decisions that could destroy her future.” she said.
Mrs. Soludo further announced the launch of a Healthy Living Pad Bank Portal, designed to provide schoolgirls with continuous access to menstrual health information and sanitary pads.
“We have developed a digital portal where young girls can register to receive menstrual health tips and access sanitary pads. I encourage you all to log in, engage with the platform, and give us feedback,” she added.
The Anambra First Lady also unveiled a new phase of the Nonye Soludo Healthy Living Initiative, which will facilitate interactions with young girls across the state.
“We will be distributing sanitary packs to every participant, along with some financial support,” she noted.
Mrs. Soludo recalled that she had previously launched pad banks in 300 schools across Anambra to ensure a steady supply of sanitary pads for students.
Meanwhile, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, represented by Mrs. Soludo, donated 10,000 disposable sanitary pads to schoolgirls in Anambra as part of her efforts to promote menstrual dignity and boost girls’ confidence during their monthly periods.
Anambra is one of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory benefiting from the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), under which a total of 370,000 customised sanitary pads worth ₦2.55 billion were procured and distributed nationwide. Each state received 10,000 packs with a one-year supply.
In her address, the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Tinubu, emphasized that menstrual health should never hinder girls’ education.
“This intervention is designed to tackle the challenges girls face during their periods, which often cause absenteeism or school dropouts. It is unacceptable that the girl-child, especially in rural communities, still faces such barriers,” “At RHI, we believe no girl should ever have to choose between her dignity and her education. This programme is a step towards ensuring that.”she said.
She called on local government chairmen to take ownership of the initiative and ensure that the sanitary pads reach the intended beneficiaries. Tinubu also urged schoolgirls to use the pads responsibly, remain confident, and not allow menstrual stigma to affect their educational pursuits.
Earlier in the event, Dr. Tonia Mbagwu, HIV/AIDS Programme Coordinator at the Anambra State Ministry of Health, educated the students on menstrual hygiene.
“Menstruation is a natural part of growing up. Maintaining good hygiene keeps you healthy and confident,” “Change your sanitary pad every four to six hours, wash your hands before and after changing, clean your private area with water and mild soap, and dispose of used pads properly—in a bin, not the toilet.”
“Menstruation is not a disease or a curse. Don’t feel shy or ashamed. Care for yourself and support your friends.”she advised.
Also speaking, Prof. Nkechi Ikediugwu, Chairman of the Post Primary Schools Service Commission (PPSSC), expressed gratitude to the President’s and Governors’ wives for their continued commitment to the health and well-being of the girl-child.
On behalf of the beneficiaries, Ifeyinwa Ezeoke of Our Lady’s School, Nnobi, thanked Senator Tinubu and Mrs. Soludo for their support.
“With these pads, we can stay confident and focused on our education without worry,” she said.
