By Obianuju Isima
The administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo has stepped up efforts to promote menstrual hygiene and support the education of schoolgirls across Anambra State through a series of health and empowerment programmes spearheaded by the wife of the governor, Mrs. Nonye Soludo.
Through the “Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo” initiative, the state government established sanitary pad banks in secondary schools across the state to tackle menstrual poverty and improve access to sanitary products for young girls.
The initiative, which commenced in 2024, expanded to more than 300 schools in 2025 and has further grown to about 350 schools in 2026, reflecting the administration’s sustained commitment to the welfare of the girl-child.
As part of the programme, thousands of sanitary pads have been distributed to schoolgirls, especially those in rural communities, to ensure that menstruation does not interfere with their education or school attendance. Reports show that over 25,000 sanitary pad packs have so far been distributed across the state.
The government has also intensified menstrual hygiene awareness campaigns and educational programmes aimed at addressing stigma, discrimination, and misinformation surrounding menstruation among young girls and within communities.
In support of the initiative, the state government collaborated with the Renewed Hope Initiative of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, leading to the distribution of an additional 10,000 sanitary pad packs to schoolgirls in Anambra in 2025.
Mrs Soludo said the programmes form part of the Soludo administration’s broader commitment to healthcare, hygiene, girl-child empowerment, and improved access to quality education in the state.
Education and health advocates have continued to commend the interventions, noting that the initiatives are helping to boost the confidence, wellbeing, and academic performance of schoolgirls across Anambra State.
Isima is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
