RismadarVoice Reporters
May 25, 2026
The Patience Umo Eno Golden Initiative For All (GIFA) has intensified efforts to combat period poverty and promote menstrual hygiene awareness among adolescent girls through an intervention programme in Ikot Ekpene Federal Constituency, Akwa Ibom State.
The sensitisation programme, tagged “Understanding Menstruation,” was held on Sunday at Grooves Memorial Methodist Church, Ikot Ekpene, with participants drawn from Ikot Ekpene, Obot Akara and Essien Udim Local Government Areas.
Speaking at the event, the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Akwa Ibom State, and Chairman of the GIFA Board of Trustees, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, described period poverty as a major challenge affecting the confidence, education and future of many young girls.
Addressing 500 selected secondary school girls and church members, Lady Obareki said menstruation should never be associated with shame or stigma, stressing the need for proper education and access to sanitary materials to help girls manage their menstrual health with dignity.
“No girl should have to miss school, feel ashamed, or be held back simply because of her period,” she said, encouraging the girls to speak openly and seek guidance on menstrual health issues.
She also called on teachers, parents and caregivers to create supportive environments where girls can freely discuss issues relating to menstruation without fear or embarrassment.
According to her, GIFA’s intervention goes beyond the distribution of sanitary products to include education on menstrual hygiene management, healthy living and confidence building.
Lady Obareki commended Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for supporting the distribution of sanitary pads to schoolgirls nationwide through the Renewed Hope Initiative’s “FLOW With Confidence” campaign.
She also praised Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for prioritising education, healthcare and the welfare of women and children through the ARISE Agenda.
Earlier, the Team Lead of GIFA, Pastor Anne Abraham, said the outreach formed part of the organisation’s women empowerment programme and was aimed at providing 500 girls with a year’s supply of sanitary materials and personal hygiene products.
A medical doctor, Esther Udoudom, delivered a health talk on menstrual hygiene and puberty, educating participants on personal hygiene, body changes during adolescence, and proper disposal of sanitary pads.
The session also featured discussions on safe and unsafe touch, prevention of teenage pregnancy, and the use of period trackers to monitor menstrual cycles.
The Methodist Archbishop of the Ikot Ekpene Archdiocese, Rev. Etim Ekong, commended Lady Obareki and GIFA for organising what he described as an impactful programme designed to educate and empower young girls.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs Inibehe Silas Etukudo, described the intervention as timely and important for family and societal development.
Chairman of Mkpat Enin Local Government Council and member of the GIFA Board of Trustees, Hon. Emmanuel Inyang, said the programme would help reduce misinformation and teenage pregnancy through proper reproductive health education.
The highlight of the event was the distribution of sanitary materials to the 500 participating students by Lady Obareki and other dignitaries.
Three beneficiaries: Mfoniso Emem Udo, Happiness Imoh Moses and Queeneth Udeme: expressed appreciation to GIFA for the support.
