Nsit Atai First Lady Takes Campaign Of Menstrual Hygiene To Schools, Empowers Girls With Sanitary Kits
The Wife of the Executive Chairman of Nsit Atai Local Government Area, Mrs Emem Anthony Nyong, has reaffirmed her commitment to the health, dignity, and empowerment of the girl-child through a menstrual hygiene sensitisation programme and the distribution of sanitary kits to secondary school girls across the local government area.
The advocacy, held on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the Council Hall, Odot, formed part of activities commemorating the 2026 Menstrual Hygiene Day campaign and brought together students, teachers, healthcare professionals, government officials, and community stakeholders in a united effort to promote menstrual health awareness and eradicate stigma associated with menstruation.
Speaking during the programme, Mrs Nyong emphasised the importance of proper menstrual hygiene management in enhancing the confidence, well-being, and academic performance of adolescent girls. She stressed that no girl should be denied education or opportunities because of her menstrual cycle.
According to her, many girls, particularly those in rural communities, continue to face challenges during their menstrual periods, with some missing school due to a lack of access to sanitary products and adequate support.
“No girl-child should have to miss school because of her menstrual cycle. It is unacceptable that many of our girls still face difficulties during this natural phase of life. Through this intervention under the Renewed Hope Initiative, we are providing support to vulnerable girls and ensuring that they can manage their menstrual health with confidence and dignity,” she stated.
Mrs Nyong further advised the students not to allow societal stigma or misconceptions about menstruation to hinder their aspirations, encouraging them to remain focused on their education and future goals.
She expressed profound appreciation to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno, for his commitment to the welfare of women and children. She also commended the coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, for championing programmes that continue to improve the lives of women and girls across the state. The chairman’s wife equally acknowledged the support of the executive chairman of Nsit Atai LGA, Hon. Prince Anthony Nyong, whose encouragement and commitment contributed immensely to the success of the programme.
The sensitisation session featured an enlightening health talk by Mrs Itohowo Ubong Edemekong of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), who served as the resource person for the programme. In her presentation, she educated the students on the importance of proper menstrual hygiene and self-care during menstruation.
Mrs Edemekong explained that menstruation is the monthly shedding of the uterine lining and is a natural biological process experienced by women and girls, not a sickness or disease condition. She encouraged the students to approach menstruation with confidence and dignity, stressing that they should not feel ashamed or perceive themselves as being ill during their menstrual periods.
She further advised the girls to maintain good personal hygiene by bathing regularly, preferably at least twice daily during their menstrual cycle, changing sanitary pads appropriately, washing their hands frequently, and keeping their bodies clean throughout the period. According to her, proper menstrual hygiene practices are essential for preventing infections, promoting good health, and boosting self-confidence among adolescent girls.
Goodwill messages were delivered by Mrs Edidiong Ini Obot, Mrs Iniabasi Udia, Hon. Noble Paul, and Obonganwan Esther Peter Okon, Wife of the Paramount Ruler of Nsit Atai, who commended Mrs Emem Anthony Nyong for her commitment to the well-being and development of the girl child. They described the initiative as timely and impactful, noting that menstrual health education remains a critical component of girls’ empowerment and academic success. The speakers further encouraged the beneficiaries to make good use of the sanitary kits provided and to serve as ambassadors of proper menstrual hygiene within their schools and communities.
Delivering her remarks as Special Guest of Honour, the Honourable Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Emem Ibanga, commended the Wife of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Governor Umo Eno, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, Hon. Prince Anthony Nyong, and Mrs Emem Nyong for their collective efforts in advancing the welfare of women and girls.
Princess Ibanga noted that menstruation is a natural biological process and should never be regarded as a curse or source of shame. She warned that poor menstrual hygiene practices expose young girls to health risks and called on parents, teachers, caregivers, and community leaders to sustain open and honest conversations on menstrual health.
“Every girl deserves the support and information needed to manage her menstrual health with confidence. We must work towards a future where sanitary pads are no longer a privilege but a basic necessity accessible to every girl and woman,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Miss Joy Akpan expressed profound gratitude to Mrs Nyong for the intervention, describing it as timely, impactful, and beneficial to the educational and personal development of young girls.
A major highlight of the event was the distribution of sanitary kits to participating students. The programme also featured cultural performances, a quiz competition, interactive sessions, and the presentation of prizes to outstanding participants.
The event attracted a large turnout of government functionaries, traditional rulers, women leaders, education stakeholders, teachers, and students from various schools across Nsit Atai Local Government Area, reflecting a shared commitment to promoting the welfare, health, and development of the girl-child.
