By Ozioruva Aliu

BENIN CITY – THE government of Edo State has distributed sanitary pads to schoolgirls in the state as part of activities to mark the 2026 World Menstrual Hygiene Day celebration in Benin City.

The programme which was organised through the Office of the Special Adviser on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), was held at Emotan College and it featured menstrual hygiene sensitisation sessions for students.

Speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to the Governor on SDGs, Sally Suleiman, described menstrual health as a critical development issue.

“Every girl deserves dignity, confidence, and the opportunity to stay in school without limitations caused by lack of access to menstrual hygiene products.

“Menstrual health is not just a health issue; it is a development issue,” Suleiman added.

She said the intervention aligned with Sustainable Development Goals 3, 4 and 5, which focus on health, education and gender equality.

According to her, the initiative also supports the health pillar of the SHINE Agenda of the Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo.

Suleiman noted that the state government remained committed to developing sustainable and data-driven interventions addressing menstrual health challenges across Edo communities.

She said the programme, now in its second consecutive year, went beyond the distribution of sanitary products to include awareness creation and advocacy for girls’ wellbeing.

Beneficiaries of the outreach commended the Edo State Government for supporting initiatives aimed at protecting the dignity, health and educational future of young girls.