The Wife of Ebonyi State Governor Mary-Maudeline Nwifuru, has flagged off the distribution of free sanitary pads and educational materials to 10,000 students and adolescent girls across the 13 local government areas of the state.
The event was organised by Ebonyi State Government in collaboration with the Office of Her Excellency, the Ministry of Health, Education, Women Affairs/Social Development and BERWO Foundation.
Mrs Nwifuru, while flagging off the distribution at Community Primary School Ndiuruku, Amegu in Abakaliki Local Government Area, reaffirmed her commitment to improving the welfare and well-being of children and young girls through education and health-focused interventions.
The event with the Theme ” Together For a Period-Friendly World” was part of activities to mark the 2026 World Menstrual and Hygiene Day.
She explained that the initiative was organised to commemorate the 2026 World Menstrual Hygiene Day and implemented through her pet project the Better Health for Rural Women, Children and Internally Displaced Foundation.
According to her, “the foundation has commenced the distribution of items across the 13 local government areas of the state in addition to education on menstrual hygiene.”
While handing over the materials to officials of the Ministries of Education and Health for onward distribution to schools, Mrs Nwifuru said the initiative was designed to support children’s academic development and address challenges faced by adolescent girls during menstruation.
“As we officially flag off this programme, mental hygiene is not just a health issue, it is a matter of dignity, education and human rights.”
She stressed that education remains one of the most effective tools for building a better future, adding that every child deserves access to learning in a safe, supportive and dignified environment.
“Many girls still miss classes or experience difficulties in school due to lack of access to sanitary products, making this intervention necessary, the sanitary pads are not just health materials; they are instruments of confidence, dignity and inclusion for our girls.
“The educational materials are also intended to encourage learning, creativity and academic excellence,” she stated.
“Many young girls especially in rural communities struggle to afford sanitary pads, creating discomfort and in some cases, being absent from school during the menstrual period.”
Mrs Nwifuru disclosed that the first phase of the programme targets 10,000 girls between the ages of 14 and 1, adding that the initiative would be expanded in subsequent phases.
Earlier in a remark, the State Commissioner for Education (Primary and Secondary) Dr Donatus Ilang, and his Health counterpart Dr Moses Ekuma, extolled Governor Francis Nwifuru for his intervention in the sectors.
“What you are doing today is not just sharing materials, it is reactivation of hope, an implementation of the charter of needs mantra of the administration.”
Contributing, the Lead Better Health For Rural Women, Children and Internally Displaced Persons (BERWO) Professor Nkechi Echiegu, while appreciating the proactiveness of the wife of the governor, stated that BERWO was targeting distributing sanitary pads to over 10,000 girl children.
