By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
No fewer than 500 students of the Kogi State College of Nursing and Midwifery, Obangede, on Tuesday benefited from the distribution of sanitary pads as part of a sensitization initiative by Ambassador Hamsat Lawal.
Presenting the items to the institution’s Provost, the Executive Director of Connected Development (CODE), Ambassador Lawal, said the gesture aims to support students who are unable to afford sanitary pads for their monthly menstrual cycle.
“As a father of three daughters, I cannot ignore the silent challenges many young girls face. We are doing our part to ease this burden on families and promote menstrual hygiene,” he said.
Ambassador Lawal also emphasized the importance of girl-child education, stating, “When you train a girl, you train a nation.”
The Provost of the college, Dr. James Duro, expressed gratitude to Ambassador Lawal for the support and assured him that the donations would be put to good use. He further appealed for assistance in the area of infrastructural development to enhance the college’s learning environment.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Kogi State Forum of Senior Special Assistants, Dr. Joseph Omeiza, praised the initiative, describing menstrual hygiene support as a crucial aspect of youth and gender empowerment.
“By supporting access to sanitary pads, we are reducing school absenteeism among girls, improving health outcomes, boosting confidence, and reinforcing the right of every girl to learn, thrive, and lead,” Omeiza said. “Menstrual health should never be a barrier to dignity or opportunity.”
In a related development, CODE also donated 100 charcoal-efficient cooking stoves to women in Ogori/Magongo and Upogoro in Okene Local Government Areas.
Ambassador Lawal said the initiative is aimed at reducing the health hazards associated with firewood use and promoting environmental sustainability.
Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajia Fatima Momoh, represented by Hajia Habitat Ajiga, commended the initiative and urged other well-meaning individuals to emulate Lawal’s philanthropic efforts.
The event also featured the distribution of the stoves and stipends to selected women beneficiaries in Ogori/Magongo and Upogoro.
