FIC Report (Benue State) – The Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN), Benue State Chapter, in collaboration with sister organizations, on Friday, June 5, 2026, rounded off activities marking the 2026 World Menstrual Hygiene Day with an awareness campaign and distribution of sanitary pads to over one thousand girls from various schools in the Makurdi Metropolis.
Schools visited during the exercise included Holy Ghost UBE School, LGEA Pilot School, Arabic College Makurdi, and UBE Junior Secondary School Ichwa.
The Principal of UBE Holy Ghost School, Mrs. Priscilla Iorgbir, commended the delegation for choosing the school for the enlightenment campaign.
Speaking at the event, MWAN President Mrs. Doofan Ayatse Agishi said the awareness campaign centred on menstrual health education and counselling, distribution of menstrual hygiene kits, myth-busting and open discussion, as well as promoting dignity, health, and empowerment.
Students were engaged in a robust discussion on health issues, with various speakers addressing different topics.
The Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Benue State Chapter, Comrade Elizabeth Acha, demonstrated proper ways of using and disposing of sanitary pads. She also called on school management to provide water for students to ensure adequate hygiene.
Dr. Angelina Shie-Dominick spoke on menstrual hygiene, emphasising the importance of regular bathing and changing of sanitary pads during menstruation. She reassured students that menstruation is not a source of shame, but a normal occurrence in the life of every healthy woman.
A female pupil at Holy Ghost UBE School expressed delight at the information shared by the MWAN team, noting that going forward, girls would be able to speak freely about menstruation and related concerns. Male students were also educated on the normalities associated with menstrual hygiene.
VERONICA AZEMBA
For Head of Center FIC Makurdi
