June 02, (THEWILL) — No fewer than 320 adolescent girls and young women in Itu Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State have benefited from a menstrual hygiene awareness and sanitary pad distribution programme under the “Flow with Confidence” campaign championed by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
The programme, held at the Itu Local Government Council Secretariat in Mbak Atai to mark the 2026 World Menstrual Hygiene Day, was organised by the wife of the Executive Chairman of Itu Local Government Council, Mrs Idongesit Ubong Nkutt.
Speaking at the event, Mrs Nkutt said the initiative was designed to promote menstrual health awareness, eliminate stigma associated with menstruation and empower adolescent girls with the knowledge and resources needed to manage their menstrual health confidently.
She explained that the theme, “Flow with Confidence”, aligns with the vision of the First Lady through the Renewed Hope Initiative, which advocates improved menstrual health and hygiene among girls across the country.
According to her, sanitary pads distributed during the programme were provided by Senator Oluremi Tinubu through the Renewed Hope Initiative.
Mrs Nkutt disclosed that beneficiaries were drawn from 10 public secondary and 5 private secondary schools in Itu Local Government Area, with 20 girls selected from each school.
Twenty female undergraduates of Itu extraction under the National Association of Itu Students Worldwide also benefited from the programme.
A health educator, Ms Glory Ekanem, delivered a lecture on menstrual hygiene management, educating participants on healthy menstrual practices and the importance of maintaining personal hygiene during menstruation.
The event featured the symbolic presentation of sanitary pads and other personal hygiene materials to beneficiaries by Mrs Nkutt and female stakeholders who attended the programme.
In addition to the sanitary pads supplied through the Renewed Hope Initiative, the Executive Chairman of Itu Local Government Council, Hon. Ubong Nkutt, provided hygiene materials, including detergents, sponges, pant hangers and shaving sticks to support the beneficiaries.
Mrs Nkutt expressed appreciation to Senator Oluremi Tinubu and the First Lady Designate of Akwa Ibom State, Lady Helen Obareki, for supporting the initiative. She also commended the Itu Council Chairman for his contribution to the programme’s success.
The event attracted prominent women leaders and stakeholders from across the local government area, including the Vice Chairman of Itu Local Government Council, Hon. Helen Nta, former Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Government, Obonganwan Grace Ekong, former House of Assembly member, Dr Ekaette Ebong Okon, and other women leaders, councillors and supervisors.
