The First Lady of Ado Local Government, Hon. Mrs Christiana Oche, has distributed free sanitary pads to schoolgirls and women across the local government area as part of the “Pad a Girl Child” Programme of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), championed by the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON.
The programme, themed “Empower the Girl Child Through Dignity, Health, Education and Purposeful Living,” was held at the Conference Hall of the Ado Local Government Secretariat and brought together students from secondary schools across the ten wards of the local government area. Beyond the distribution of sanitary pads, the initiative focused on menstrual hygiene education, sexual harassment awareness, child protection, personal development, purposeful living, and leadership mentorship.
The event was coordinated by the Protocol Officer to the Chairman, Hon. Moses Onumah, who anchored the proceedings.
Delivering a presentation on menstrual hygiene management, the Special Assistant to the Chairman on Education and Gender Mainstreaming, Hon. Halimat Ogaba, educated participants on proper menstrual care practices. She advised girls to maintain personal hygiene during their menstrual periods by changing sanitary pads regularly, washing hands before and after use, maintaining cleanliness, and disposing of used pads appropriately. She stressed that proper disposal of sanitary materials is essential in preventing environmental pollution and reducing the risk of disease transmission.
Speaking on child protection, the Ado Local Government Child Protection Officer, Mrs Patient Otsepa, highlighted the dangers of child trafficking and exploitation. She warned that traffickers often lure victims with promises of education, employment, or better opportunities, only for them to end up in exploitative and degrading situations. She encouraged participants to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, emphasising the need for collective action in combating human trafficking.
On sexual harassment awareness, the Senior Special Assistant to the Chairman on Intergovernmental Affairs, Hon. Mrs Elizabeth Agbese, emphasised every child’s right to dignity, safety, and respect. She encouraged students to speak up whenever they experience or witness harassment, noting that reporting abuse is an act of self-protection rather than disrespect. She further urged students to make effective use of guidance and counselling units in their schools for support and professional advice.
Several dignitaries who spoke during the event commended the Renewed Hope Initiative and acknowledged the contributions of key stakeholders, including the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON; the Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, PhD; the Acting First Lady of Benue State and State Director of the Renewed Hope Initiative, Hon. Scholastica Ben-Sor; the Wife of the Deputy Governor, Her Excellency Mrs. Christie Ada Sam-Ode; the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Mrs. Theresa Odachi Ikwue; the Chairman of Ado Local Government, Engr. Sunny Oche; and the First Lady of Ado Local Government, Hon. Mrs Christiana Oche, for their commitment to advancing the welfare of women and children.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Ado Local Government, Engr. Sunny Oche, praised the dedication of the First Lady of Ado Local Government, noting her active involvement in the activities of the Renewed Hope Initiative both within and outside Benue State. He expressed appreciation to Senator Oluremi Tinubu for initiating a programme with nationwide impact and assured participants that the benefits intended for the girl-child would continue to reach deserving beneficiaries. He also emphasised the importance of sustained awareness campaigns on personal hygiene and reproductive health to ensure lasting behavioural change within society.
The Chairman further appreciated the presence of government officials, school administrators, students, and other stakeholders whose participation contributed to the success of the programme.
The Coordinating Principal of Ado Local Government and Principal of Government College, Utonkon, Mr Ebi George Bartholomew, described the initiative as timely and impactful. While commending the focus on girls’ health and welfare, he recommended the inclusion of the boy-child in future editions to strengthen their supportive role in promoting healthy and respectful communities.
Similarly, the Area Education Officer, Mr Boniface Ameh, applauded the programme for complementing ongoing efforts within the education sector to enhance student welfare, guidance, and safety. The Leader of the Ado Legislative Council, Hon. Agbo Adadu, also stressed the importance of personal hygiene in preventing communicable diseases and supported calls for future programmes to accommodate the boy-child.
The event featured cultural and educational presentations by students. Government College, Utonkon, entertained the audience with a dance performance and poetic rendition celebrating the leadership and commitment of the Ado Local Government First Lady to the empowerment of young girls. Students of Igumale Community Secondary School also delivered a welcome performance and expressed appreciation to the Renewed Hope Initiative for its intervention.
In her closing remarks, the First Lady of Ado Local Government, Hon. Mrs Christiana Oche, reiterated the importance of menstrual health education, child protection, and youth mentorship. She encouraged school principals to strengthen guidance and counselling programmes and assured participants that concerns and recommendations raised during the event would be communicated to the appropriate authorities within the Renewed Hope Initiative.
She urged girls experiencing menstrual health challenges, including menstrual cramps, to seek support and speak openly about their concerns. She also called on school administrators to maintain close collaboration with the local government to facilitate timely interventions in addressing urgent educational and welfare needs.
Hon. Mrs Oche attributed the success of the programme to the vision and support of the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, and other stakeholders committed to improving the lives of women and children.
The highlight of the event was the distribution of sanitary pads to schoolgirls and women in attendance, providing essential menstrual health support and reinforcing the commitment of the Renewed Hope Initiative to promoting dignity, confidence, and well-being among girls and women.
The programme concluded with group photographs involving the First Lady of Ado Local Government, students, teachers, and other participants, marking a successful and impactful outing that left attendees inspired and better informed on issues affecting the girl-child.
Signed,
Innocent Igelle cLMiH, mPPSN, MCAI;
Principal Private Secretary to the Chairman; juliovirgo@gmail.com, 08065365371
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