Akpoti-Uduaghan Supports Distribution of Sanitary Pads to 1,000 Schoolgirls in Calabar

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

In commemoration of International Women’s Day, a socio-political group, Cross River Jewels, has distributed sanitary pads to 1,000 female students in five secondary schools in Calabar, Cross River State, in a major intervention aimed at promoting menstrual hygiene and supporting girls’ education.

The initiative, which received support from Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, provided each beneficiary with sanitary products expected to last for three months.

A statement from the Senator’s Media Office on Thursday, explained that the outreach covered students of Government Secondary School, Barracks Road; Government Secondary School, State Housing; and Government Technical School, Mayne Avenue.

It added that Government Secondary School, TTC Ikot Ansa; and Government Secondary School, Atu, would also benefit.

It explained that the Director-General of the group, Comrade Precious Besong, led members of the organisation during the exercise, supervising the distribution of the hygiene materials to the students.

Quoting the the organisers, the statement explained the programme was designed to address the financial and psychological challenges many adolescent girls face during their menstrual cycles, particularly in communities where sanitary products remain unaffordable for many families.

It added the intervention was intended to ensure that young girls do not miss classes or suffer embarrassment during their menstrual periods due to a lack of basic hygiene materials.

The group said, “The pads distributed are expected to serve each of the beneficiaries for about three months.

“The goal is to help the girls pursue their academic activities without disruption or unnecessary stress associated with menstrual hygiene challenges.”

Beyond the distribution of sanitary products, the outreach also featured educational sessions on personal hygiene and reproductive health.

Facilitators engaged the students on the importance of maintaining cleanliness during menstruation, building self-confidence, and staying committed to their studies.

The students were also encouraged to avoid stigma associated with menstruation and to remain focused on their academic aspirations regardless of the natural challenges of their monthly cycle.

The programme attracted attention beyond Cross River State after Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan reportedly offered financial support to the organisers upon learning about the initiative during its publicity stage.

Speaking after the event in a telephone interview, Besong expressed appreciation to the senator for her support, describing the intervention as a major boost to the group’s humanitarian efforts.

She said the excitement displayed by the students during the distribution underscored the importance of such programmes in improving the welfare and confidence of young girls.

“Seeing these young girls so excited and relieved is truly one of my proudest moments,” Besong said.

She added that the sanitary pad distribution had become an annual project of Cross River Jewels as part of its commitment to empowering young girls and supporting their education.

“This initiative has become an annual tradition for Cross River Jewels. We remain committed to supporting communities and empowering the girl child,” she said.

Besong also commended Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan for supporting a project outside her home state, noting that the gesture demonstrated the lawmaker’s commitment to the welfare of Nigerian girls irrespective of geographical boundaries.

“Even though Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is not from Cross River State, she recognised the importance of this cause and provided financial support to strengthen our efforts.

“I sincerely thank her and pray that the Almighty continues to bless her,” she said.

Some of the beneficiaries who spoke during the event also expressed gratitude to the organisers, describing the intervention as timely and impactful.

They said the support would enable them to attend school regularly and concentrate better on their studies without worrying about menstrual hygiene needs.

Cross River Jewels said the programme forms part of its broader campaign to promote the welfare, dignity and empowerment of young girls, stressing that no student should be forced to miss school because of a lack of sanitary products.

The group pledged to sustain the initiative and expand its outreach in the coming years to reach more schools and communities across the state.