Niger State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management has assured Brighter Future Initiative (BFI) of its readiness to partner with it to provide humanitarian services to the people of the state.
The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Barr. Mairo Mohammed Mann, gave the assurance on Monday, when she received, on courtesy, members of BFI led by the Executive Director, Mohammed Yahaya Gayya, at the ministry's conference room.
She appreciated the foresight of members of BFI and the bold steps they have taken to educate and sensitise the public on proper menstrual hygiene management, saying it was a good thing that they were venturing into what people were shying away from.
Barr. Mairo Mann observed that some people could afford the menstrual pad but might not have the basic knowledge of how to properly use it and take good care of their hygiene during the menstrual cycle.
She also expressed happiness that the men had taken it upon themselves to be part of the menstrual hygiene management project, stressing the need to involve parents in the sensitization programme through school PTA meetings.
The Permanent Secretary, who was the initiator of the Gender Based Violence club in some schools, also urged BFI to leverage the clubs to pass its messages, adding that BFI is complementing the work of the ministry with this noble gesture and, as such, needs to be supported.
She further stated that it was important to use the platform to talk to people about general body hygiene and that BFI should explain to the public that if it is necessary that they use rags during the menstrual cycle, it should be properly managed.
Earlier in his remarks, the Executive Director of BFI, Mohammed Yahaya Gayya, informed the Permanent Secretary and her management team that they are in the ministry to explore areas of collaboration and linkages to provide humanitarian services to the public.
He explained that BFI has been in existence in the state for the past five years, providing humanitarian services to the public in three thematic areas: health, education, and agriculture.
He solicited the support of the ministry and the permanent secretary towards the success of the project and announced the appointment of Mairo Mann as one of the ambassadors of the project, to be decorated during the flag-off ceremony.