Children’s Day: Mkpat Enin TC Chairman Re-echoes Gov’t Commitment To Quality Education

-Distributes sanitary pads to female students to mark World Menstrual Hygiene Day

The Transition Committee Chairman of Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, Hon Mercy Bassey has re-echoed the commitment of the state government to sustaining quality education in the state.

Lady Bassey, while reading the speech of the state governor, Pastor Umo Eno at the 2024 National Children’s Day, Monday, May 27, in Mkpat Enin, restated the state government’s resolve to continue ensuring a conducive learning environment for both teachers and students in the state.

She further assured that the governor will continuously equip Akwa Ibom children with the requisite ICT and Entrepreneurial skills that will enable them perform optimally and compete globally.

The Local Government Chairman, who took the salute during the march past at the Richard Umoren Stadium Complex, also seized the opportunity to enlighten female students on the importance and need for menstrual hygiene.

Speaking on theme of the 2024 Menstrual Hygiene Day, “Together for a Period Friendly World”, Hon Bassey reiterated the need to help women and female children manage their menstrual health with dignity, confidence, and pride.

“We must foster an environment where menstruation is openly discussed, and education about menstrual health is accessible to all, aligning with the ARISE Agenda of His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno’s administration.

“Cultural taboos and lack of information lead to harmful misconceptions about menstruation, resulting in fear, shame, and isolation for girls and women.

“Comprehensive menstrual health education should be a fundamental part of school curriculums, inclusive of both biological aspects and practical guidance on managing menstrual health.

“Boys and men should also be included to foster a supportive environment. Additionally, it is our collective responsibility to ensure that sanitary products are affordable and accessible to all, and to advocate for safe and private sanitation facilities in schools, workplaces, and public spaces,” she noted.

She stressed the need for efforts to be extended to the policy level, recognizing menstrual health as a fundamental human right.

“Policies promoting menstrual equity, funding for menstrual health initiatives, and support for sustainable menstrual products are crucial steps towards a period-friendly world.

“We must also promote reusable products and eco-friendly disposal methods to protect our planet.

“Today, as we commemorate Menstrual Hygiene Day, let us pledge to create a Mkpat Enin and a world where menstruation is no longer a barrier to education, work, or personal growth.

“Let us support one another, share knowledge, and break down the walls of silence and stigma, empowering women and girls to reach their full potential,” she concluded.

Lady Bassey later distributed sanitary pads to female students from 18 secondary schools in the Local Government.

Earlier, the wife of a former Transition Committee Chairman of Mkpat Enin, Dr (Mrs) Aniekan Ekefre held a sensitisation talk on the theme of the menstrual hygiene day.

The children’s day celebration was well attended by students, school administrators, officials of the local government, political stakeholders, youth and women groups, among others.

Media Unit,
Office of the Transition Committee Chairman,
Mkpat Enin LGA
27052024

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Mkpat Enin Local Government. Area