The Nikki Udezue Foundation (NUF) has empowered students on menstrual hygiene through its “Pad a Girl” project, aiming to combat period poverty among underprivileged girls.
The Founder and President of the Foundation, Mrs. Nkeiruka Udezue, disclosed this during an outreach program tagged “Pad a Girl Niger State” held at the Government Technical College, Kwamba, on Thursday.
Mrs. Udezue said the initiative seeks to provide sanitary pads and menstrual hygiene education to girls, while also sensitizing boys on cleanliness and health-related practices.
“Presently, we have carried out this program in about two to three schools, reaching between 1,000 and 2,000 students. This outreach alone is benefiting about 1,000 students, including 600 girls who are receiving sanitary pads,” she stated.
She appealed for government support and collaboration with well-meaning individuals to expand the project to more schools within and outside Abuja.
“This initiative has so far been personally funded. We look forward to partnerships that can help us reach millions of schoolgirls across the FCT and Nigeria,” Udezue said.
Beyond distributing sanitary pads, the foundation also educates girls on menstrual hygiene, cleanliness, and how to manage challenges associated with menstruation while in school. According to her, the students were taught the dos and don’ts of menstrual hygiene and proper disposal of used pads to maintain a healthy environment.
Udezue revealed that the outreach was part of her way of giving back to society in commemoration of her 43rd birthday.
“This project today cost about three million naira, funded from my pocket. Every November 5th marks a new year for me, a time to thank God and start afresh,” she explained.
Also speaking, Mrs. Deborah Mbah, Chief Nursing Officer, highlighted the importance of proper menstrual hygiene.
“It is one thing for a girl to menstruate and another to maintain a clean body and environment during that period,” she said. Mbah warned that poor menstrual hygiene could lead to infections and urged girls to use appropriate materials and maintain cleanliness.
“We came with pads and underpants, two key items every girl needs during her period,” she added.
The Vice Principal (Special Duties) of Suleiman Barau Technical College, Kwamba, commended the foundation for the initiative.
“The awareness is timely and will guide students on proper hygiene practices. We are very grateful; the students have learned a lot from your teachings on how to maintain their bodies,” he said, appealing to the foundation to assist the school with chairs and other essential items.
The Head Girl, Ms. Goodnews Yakubu, speaking on behalf of the students, thanked the foundation for the initiative.
“We have learned how to take care of ourselves, practice good hygiene, and maintain cleanliness during menstruation,” she said.
