A medical expert, Dr. Abuh Raymond, and his co-coordinator, Sumayyah Muhammad Sani, have called for free distribution of sanitary pads to young girls in Nigeria, the same way condoms are often given out freely for sexual protection.
They made the call on Thursday in Kaduna while speaking on the launch of the ‘Pad the Girl Initiative’, a government-backed programme aimed at promoting health, dignity, and empowerment among young women.
The initiative, described as the first of its kind in the history of Kaduna State and Northern Nigeria, was rolled out by the Uba Sani administration on September 20 at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
It targets over 40,000 female students across tertiary institutions with free sanitary pads and menstrual health education.
Dr. Raymond and Sumayyah said the programme reflects ‘a bold, inclusive, and modern approach to governance under the visionary and compassionate leadership of Senator Uba Sani.’
According to them, menstrual health remains one of the least discussed yet most pressing challenges facing Nigerian girls, with many forced to miss classes or drop out of school due to lack of access to pads.
‘This initiative is a practical demonstration of the Governor’s belief that if condoms can be distributed free in the interest of public health, sanitary pads must also be free in the interest of women’s health and dignity,’ they said.
Governor Sani’s administration has also expanded scholarships for girls in STEM, strengthened laws against gender-based violence, promoted digital training, and supported vocational programmes for sustainable livelihoods.
Dr. Raymond and Sumayyah, who coordinate the Pad the Girl Initiative under the UBA Ambassadors Network, described the project as a ‘landmark intervention’ and a historic step towards ensuring that no girl in Kaduna State is denied education or dignity because of her gender.
‘Governor Uba Sani’s leadership is rewriting the narrative for Kaduna State and Northern Nigeria, ensuring equity and empowerment for the next generation. His unwavering commitment to the welfare of young women is truly making a difference,’ they added.