By Anan Geolengs

Stakeholders in Nasarawa State have urged stronger collaboration to support girls with menstrual hygiene, access to sanitary products, and accurate education.

They spoke in Keffi during a 2026 Menstrual Health, Stigma and Hygiene Campaign organized by AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Nigeria.

The event focused on breaking menstrual stigma and promoting safe, clean facilities and free or affordable sanitary products.

Organizers noted that nearly 1.8–2 billion people menstruate globally, with about 500 million experiencing period poverty.

Safiya Ibrahim Yahuza, Gender and Human Rights Focal Person at the Nasarawa State AIDS Control Agency (NASACA), urged girls to learn from others and understand the challenges around menstrual hygiene.

“Hygiene is necessary for young girls at all times,” she said. “You must also learn to keep yourselves clean during your period.”

She praised AHF for reaching students who were learning about menstruation and menstrual hygiene for the first time, including how to manage cramps and correct misconceptions. She called for continued awareness campaigns in more schools.

READ MORE  Group raises alarm over how 2 Courts in FCT passed different judgements on same issue

Halima Aliyu Omaku, Gender Focal Person at the Ministry of Women Affairs and Humanitarian Services, described the campaign as timely and impactful.

“It is a privilege to be part of this program. It provides enlightenment on issues many people still struggle to discuss openly,” she said.

“We have a lot of work to do in changing harmful norms and perceptions around menstruation.”

Omaku stressed that change starts at the individual level and urged participants to become advocates in their communities. She also called for educating boys so they can support girls.

“You are lucky to have this opportunity. In our time, we didn’t. Use it to achieve what’s best for you,” she told the girls. She pledged to replicate the knowledge through step-down trainings in the ministry and at the grassroots level.

READ MORE  Friends of Free Media tasks practitoners on freedom of expression

Angelina A. Kigbu of the Ministry of Education, Area Quality Evaluation Department, welcomed the initiative but said the government needs to do more.

“Girls should be taught how to produce reusable pads because they are cheaper and more sustainable,” she said.

“This knowledge would promote menstrual hygiene and provide a cost-effective solution, especially in underserved communities.”

She added that the Education Area Office in Keffi plans to start a club to train girls in making disposable and reusable pads so they can teach others.

Also, Deborah Samuel Mamman of AHF Nigeria gave practical hygiene tips:
1. Change pads every 6 to 8 hours.
2. Wash your hands before and after handling menstrual products.
3. Wash from front to back.

On his part, Dr. Sunday A. Emmanuel, a ART clinician at AHF Nigeria, said the campaign helps address misconceptions and equip young people with accurate information.

READ MORE  Bilateral relations: Onyeama to meet Namibian Govt.

He called on the government to partner with groups like AHF to sustain campaigns through media, meetings, and community outreach.

Also students said the session filled gaps in their knowledge.

Victoria Samson, 15, an SS1 student, said she learned how to stay clean and avoid reusing sanitary pads.

“Many students lack basic knowledge on how to manage menstruation when it begins,” she said.

She urged the government to provide toilets and sanitary pads in schools.

Catherine Ogogi, 16, SS1B, said she learned about reusable pads, proper disposal, and how often to change pads. She called for more awareness campaigns, free emergency pads in schools, and efforts to address menstrual myths.

Stakeholders agreed that scaling up awareness, skills training, and government support are key to reducing stigma and improving menstrual health for girls in Nasarawa State.

1 COMMENT

  1. <<<<<<recruitement form="" is="" out="" we="" are="" replacing="" a="" new="" officers
    
    IMPOUNDED VEHICLES FOR SALE IN A CHEAP AND AFFORDABLE AUCTION PRICE
    
    WE have BEGING THE ONLION Auctioning OF SEIZED ITEM'S
    .ITEMS UP F0R AUCTI0N
    1.T0KUNB0 VEHICLES
    2.BAGS 0F RICE
    3.BAGS 0F C E M E N T
    4.VEGETABLE 0IL
    5.M0TORCYCLES
    6.TRICYCLE
    7.BALE OF CL0THES
    8.INDUSTRIAL SEWING MACHINES
    9. INSTALLMENTAL PAYMENT IS FULL ALLOWED WITH A MINIMUM PERIOD OF 3 MONTHS AND A MAXIMUM PERIOD OF 9 MONTHS!!!
    
    INTERESTED BUYERS SHOULD
    CONTACT THE STATE AUCTIONEER.
    CUSTOM OFFICER GABRIEL ESHIEMOMOH VIA :- O80✓6739✓9O9O
    RICE AVAILABLE FOR SALES ARE :-
    Royal umbrella=18,000
    Mama Gold=20,000
    Royal stallion=18,000
    Rising sun=18,000
    Special rice=18,000
    Mama Africa=18,000
    Elephant Gold=18,000
    Caprice =20,000
    Gallon of oil =9,500
    NOTE: TRANSPORTATION CHARGES IS (#1000) which must be paid before we ensure your delivery.
    ~INDUSTRIAL SEWING MACHINES
    BROTHER INDUSTRIAL #1OO,000
    JUKI INDUSTRIAL #95000
    EMEL INDUSTRIAL. #95000
    SINGER INDUSTRIAL AND MORE
    
    !!CALL NIGERIA Cust0m Service FOR ANY OTHER PRODUCT'S AND YEAR'S!!
    
    SOME CAR LIST BELOW.
    Golf 2 3 4 350k __ 500k
    
    TOKUNBO CARS BELOW :�
    
    2008 Corolla Sport 1m
    2010 Corolla Sport 1.970m
    2012 Corolla Sport 2.980m
    Awoof 2009 Lexus RX350 1.5m
    2013 Camry XLE – Back Vent AC – V4 – 1.580m
    2001 Camry N280k
    2003 Camry N520k
    2005 Camry LE .680k
    2015 Matrix 1.7m
    2008 Toyota Camry 1.3m
    2012 Camry Sport 2.850m
    
    2014 Rav4 Sport N2.8m
    2016 Honda pilot EX 2.4m
    2012 Benz E320 N2.4m
    1999 Sienna 150k
    2006 Lexus RX300 1m
    Pegeout 406 Manual AC 720k
    2012 Honda CRV EX 2.850m
    O15 Honda Accord 2million
    2011 Corolla XLE – Alloy + Formica 2.850m
    2015 Toyota LandCruiser 3m
    2010 Corolla LE 1.8m
    2016 RX350 4.1m with Mouse
    2018 RX350 5.8m with mouse
    202O Toyota Tacoma 6.8m
    2013 Avalon Thumbstart 2.5m
    2012 Avalon key 2.1m
    2012 Pointiac Vibes 2.8m
    2011 Benz E230 N2.4m
    2017 Sienna CE 2.980m
    2016 Sienna XLE 2.550m
    2016 Corolla Sport 3.5m
    2010 Camry LE 2.350m
    2011 Camry LE 2.4m
    2018 Lexus GX460 5.4m
    2015 Lexus ES350 .4m
    2010 Corolla Manual N1.580m
    2018 Acura MDX 4.6m
    018 Benz C300 3m
    017 Benz GL450 5.3m
    2018 Benz GL550 5.8m
    OI8 Benz GLS 3.8M
    2O2O Benz Gls 4.6mill
    2006 Rav4 .850k
    Awoof 08 Pilot N.750k
    2008 Pilot 800k EX
    2009 Highlander sport 2.8m
    2018 Highlander Limited 3.2m
    2012 Rav4 EX Rev Camera + Thumbstart@ 2m
    08 Honda Accord N890k
    2012 Camry XLE .2m V4
    2013 Honda Accord 2.m
    2015 Honda Accord N3m
    2013 Matrix N1m80k
    2012 Honda CRV 900k
    2003 Honda Element 550k
    2008 Camry 990k
    2016 Honda Ridgeline 2.6m
    2014 Camry LE 2.750m
    2013 Ford Edge SEL 2.9m
    2014 Ford Edge SEL .3m
    Fresh like toks 2013 Benz E200 N3m
    2012 Rav4 1.9m
    2014 Kia Cerato 2.m
    2015 Benz GLK350 3.5m
    2015 Range Rover evogue 6.650m
    OI8 Range Rover evogue 8mill
    2O2O Range Rover evogue 10m
    OI8 Range Rover sports 6.8M
    2006 Quest 850k
    2008 Kia Rio 800k
    2012 Camry Xle 1.680m
    O12 Venza .2million
    2O22 GX460-N8M
    2O14 Venza 3M
    2O18 Corolla N6m
    O2O LandCruiser 6m
    2OI8 LandCruiser 3.9mill
    2O2O Prado N5.2m
    2OI8 Prado 4mill
    2O20 Rav4 N6.2M
    2O20 g-wagon N35M
    2O21 Hilux 6.8M
    OI8 HILUX 3.6m
    2O18 Bus 5.850M
    Tipper Head 8M
    TOKUNBO CARS ABOVE :�
    

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here