Rural Girl Child Development Our Top Priority – Edo First Lady

By Iyojo Ameh

The wife of the Edo State Governor, Her Excellency Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo-Anani, has reaffirmed her commitment to the education, health, and empowerment of the rural girl child, describing it as a top priority of her office.

Mrs. Okpebholo-Anani made this known during a courtesy visit to the newly elected President of the Fire Officers Wives Association (FOWA), Mrs. Olufunke Olumode Mary (JP), in Abuja, where she presented cartons of sanitary pads in support of FOWA’s campaign against period poverty.

First Lady presenting the gifts

Speaking at the event, the Edo First Lady said her office, in partnership with her Believe and Care Initiative, is focused on ensuring that rural girls are educated, provided with healthcare, and supported with skill acquisition opportunities.

“It is our duty to make sure that the rural girl is well-educated, has good healthcare, and has a source of funding when it comes to skill acquisition. Development must start from the grassroots, and once you are able to touch the life of a girl at that level, you are helping her become a complete woman with confidence and self-esteem,” she stated.

She explained that the donation of sanitary pads was part of activities leading up to the International Day of the Girl Child on October 11, which will be marked with awareness campaigns and outreach programs to eradicate period poverty.

Mrs. Okpebholo-Anani aligned her initiative with the “Flow with Confidence” campaign of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, which seeks to ensure access to sanitary products for girls, especially in rural areas.

“Some girls still resort to using rags during their periods, which often leads to infections. We are not only distributing sanitary pads but also teaching proper hygiene. Our goal as First Ladies is to eradicate period poverty in Nigeria,” she said.

The Edo First Lady further disclosed plans to push for the establishment of a sanitary pad bank in Edo State, which she hopes will be backed by legislation for sustainability.

“If I have my way, sanitary pads should be free for every girl child. We are working with the Edo State House of Assembly to ensure this becomes a policy,” she added.

As part of her visit, Mrs. Okpebholo-Anani also presented copies of the Practical Governance Magazine published by the Edo State Liaison Office, which featured her work, as well as copies of Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s autobiography, Here by Grace, to the FOWA leadership.

Responding, FOWA President Mrs. Olumode expressed deep appreciation for the support, describing the visit as symbolic of a new era for the association.

“For the Edo First Lady to identify with us at the beginning of my tenure is a great privilege. This gesture gives us hope and encouragement to do more for the girl child, for women, and for the community. We will continue to partner with other organizations to tackle period poverty,” she assured.

She added that FOWA would distribute the donated sanitary pads during its October 11 outreach to schools in Kuje Area Council, with plans to extend the initiative to other communities.

Mrs. Okpebholo-Anani, who also serves as CEO of the Believe and Care Initiative, reiterated her vision for holistic women empowerment through education, healthcare, agriculture, and leadership mentoring. She emphasized that a “healthy woman translates to a healthy society.”