Yobe Acting SSG Presents N5m To Winners Of SEMA Menstrual Hygiene Contest

Acting Secretary to the Yobe State Government (SSG), Dr Mohammed Goje, has presented the sum of N5 million to the winners of the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) Menstrual Hygiene Innovation Challenge.

The ceremony, held in Damaturu, witnessed five successful innovators receiving N1 million each in recognition of their outstanding and innovative ideas aimed at improving menstrual hygiene management and promoting sustainable community-based solutions.

The challenge, organised by SEMA in collaboration with development partners, attracted 259 submissions from young innovators in the state.

To ensure fairness, transparency, and credibility throughout the exercise, the participants were not identified by their names during the competition, instead, each was assigned a unique identification number and remained anonymous in the three stages of screening, review and selection.

Identities of participants were only revealed after the final scoring and emergence of winners.

Speaking during the presentation, Dr Goje commended the judges and technical committee for conducting what he described as a transparent and credible process.

Dr Goje noted that the initiative reflects the commitment of the Yobe State Government under Governor Mai Mala Buni to promoting innovation, empowering young people, and encouraging locally-driven solutions capable of addressing societal and health-related challenges.

He also congratulated the winners and urged them to sustain their creativity and continue developing ideas that would positively impact communities and improve the well-being of women and girls.

Representatives of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), government officials, family members of the awardees, and other stakeholders attended the event.