The Coordinator, Office of the First Lady of Edo State, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, has commended the National Female Students Association of Nigeria (NFSAN), South-South Zone, for its advocacy on menstrual hygiene and commitment to empowering girls, pledging to partner with the association on initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of the girl-child.
Mrs. Anani gave the assurance during a meeting with delegates of the association at the Government House in Benin City, where she praised NFSAN’s efforts to promote menstrual hygiene awareness and support female students across the South-South region.
She said the association’s advocacy aligns with the Edo State Government’s vision of promoting the health, dignity and leadership potential of young girls.
According to her, empowering girls should go beyond menstrual hygiene education to include leadership development, ethical values and character building, which she described as critical to raising responsible and confident future female leaders.
Mrs. Anani reaffirmed the commitment of the Office of the First Lady to working closely with the association and assured its members that they would be included in future programmes and initiatives focused on advancing girl-child development and socio-economic empowerment.
She also encouraged the association to sustain its advocacy, noting that its interventions are helping to create better opportunities for girls across the South-South region.
Speaking on behalf of the association, the Director of Welfare and Social, Comrade Johnson Esther, thanked the Coordinator for her continued support for female students and women’s health initiatives.
Esther recalled the Office of the First Lady’s support during the International Day of Action, when free sanitary pads were distributed to female students of the University of Benin, describing the initiative as one that significantly promoted menstrual hygiene, health and dignity among the beneficiaries.
The visit ended with the presentation of an Award of Excellence to Mrs. Anani in recognition of her dedication, exemplary service and commitment to improving the lives of girls in Edo State and beyond.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer, Office of the First Lady, Edo State, Gloria Osemudiamhen.
