By Matthew Unyove
The wife of the Isoko South Local Government Chairman, Mrs. Abigail Warri, has flagged off the Pad Bank Initiative and Roll-On Distribution Programme aimed at promoting menstrual and personal hygiene among students in the area.
The initiative, which was officially launched last Monday at the Ekpre Otobo Hall, Isoko South Local Government Secretariat, Oleh, is expected to provide one year’s supply of sanitary pads to 1,000 girls and distribute rolls-on to 1,000 boys across the local government area.
The ceremony attracted students from Emore Grammar School, St. Michael College and Emiye Girls Grammar School, all in Oleh, among other participants.
Speaking at the event, Mrs Warri said the initiative was borne out of genuine concern for the well-being, dignity and health of children, particularly adolescents who need proper guidance and support in maintaining personal hygiene
“We are gathered to flag off the Isoko South LGA Pad Bank Initiative, which will provide one year’s supply of sanitary pads to 1,000 girls and distribute rolls-on to 1,000 boys across our dear local government area,” she stated.
She explained that the programme was designed to ensure that no girl is compelled to use unhygienic materials during menstruation simply because she cannot afford sanitary pads.
Mrs. Warri therefore encouraged the female students to regard sanitary pads as an essential necessity, just like food, stressing the importance of proper menstrual hygiene and the need to discourage the use of unhygienic materials during menstrual periods.
She also expressed appreciation to the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, whose ‘Flow with Confidence Initiative’ inspired the programme.
Speaking further, she equally acknowledged the support, guidance and encouragement of the wife of the Delta State Governor, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori.
The Pad Bank Initiative and Roll-On Distribution Programme represents a significant step towards promoting menstrual health, personal hygiene, confidence and the overall well-being of young people in Isoko South Local Government Area.
In a health education session, Nurse Bola Akako, Chief Nursing Officer (CNO), educated the students on menstruation and appropriate ways of caring for their bodies, particularly during menstrual periods.
Similarly, Dr. Onos Ariafe delivered a lecture on personal hygiene, highlighting the importance of cleanliness and the proper use of roll-on deodorants.
Part of the activities that featured in programme was an exhortation delivered by Ven. Robert Oziwele, who charged the students to uphold good values and maintain healthy lifestyles.
The highlight of the ceremony was the formal presentation and distribution of sanitary pads to the female students and rolls-on to the male students, marking the commencement of the initiative.
Present during the ceremony were Isoko South Local Government Vice Chairman, Hon Ikrike Theresa, Female Counsellors , wives of the Leader of the legislative Arm and Secretary to the Local Government , APC woman leader and a host of others.
