Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
A major breakthrough has been recorded in Nigeria’s march towards innovation as a Biochemistry graduate of the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, MOUAU, Abia State, Miss Joy Oluchi Mamkwe, has produced re-usable sanitary pad using banana trunks.
The innovation, according to her, is meant to make sanitary pads affordable to low income earners and dependent girls who can hardly afford non-reusable pads amid the biting economic hardship.
Mamkwe who hails from Item Community in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, told Ikengaonline that “the product is 100 per cent locally-made, very hygienic and safe for use.”
She explained that banana trunk which is the major raw material for the product, is found in large quantities in Southern Nigeria particularly Abia State and its neighbouring states.
Narrating how she came up with the discovery, Mamkwe said her passion for research led her into researching for renewable energy, when, somehow, she discovered something useful could be made from banana trunks.
She said: “I’m a Biochemist, and I love researching. Initially, I was working on renewable energy but along the line, I came across some waste materials in Nigeria that could be turned into something useful. And that’s banana trunks which we have in abundance here in Abia State.
“Nigeria is arguably the largest producer of bananas in West Africa. But the trunk goes into waste whereas it could be used in the production of books and textile materials.
“So, from my research, I found out that banana trunks could be extracted and used to produce re-usable sanitary pads. I was in my final year when I started the project in 2022.
“Since then, it has been research works and project development. I later graduated and went for the NYSC service which I completed last year (2024). So, this year, I started production though in small scale.”
Clearing doubts about the hygiene of the product, the young inventor assured that all necessary processes are duly followed according to global best practices.
She assured users that the product’s hygiene was 100 per cent guaranteed.
“We ensure proper hygiene and follow all the processes of production. After the extraction of the raw materials from banana trunks, we subject it to thorough sterilization process including cooking. The final sterilization process is the UV- light to ensure it’s safe for human use.”
On whether the product had received certification by the National Agency for Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, the inventor said the agency had given her condition for registration.
“Recently, I was with NAFDAC for registration, and they gave us the conditions and the list of things to put in place including a befitting production factory.”
The inventor who said she was at the verge of getting NAFDAC certification, however, noted that she needed financial assistance to be able to secure a 5-room factory which is one of the conditions by NAFDAC.
She, however, said she is currently producing inside the university campus, but noted that she was making efforts to relocate outside the campus.
Responding to a question on the cost of having a befitting factory, she said: “For us to set up a standard production factory, we need millions of Naira, and my major challenge is how to raise the fund.”
She, however, said: “But if I can just get about N1.5 million to rent an apartment and procure more machines to ease production, I’m good to go.”
Mamkwe noted that an investor had already indicated interest in partnering with her but expressed fears over the exploitative terms given by the investor.
She said that her mentor had advised her against the deal to avoid labouring for another person.
“Recently, I got an investor who saw prospect in my innovation, and wanted to invest in it but wants to be made a co-founder. I was scared, and my mentor advised against that. I was advised against accepting any investor that wants to be made a co-founder instead of just securing some percentage of equity in the business.”
Mamkwe who said she had been receiving orders from organisations that book the products for free distribution to schools, added she needed funds to scale up.
According to her, she needs about N1.5 million to secure an apartment for production, buy more equipment and employ more hands.
“We are getting orders from some organizations who procure our products for free distribution to students. But we need some funds to scale up and meet demands.”
Speaking further, she said that the price of her products is very cheap and affordable compared to the cost of non-reusable pads.
“High cost of sanitary pads has made it very difficult for low-income earners. So, my product has become a succour for them especially students, poor rural girls and peasant farmers who can’t afford that.”
Investigations revealed that a pack of 10 pieces of sanitary pads sells for between N800 and N1,500 in some stalls depending on the product.
Speaking about her future plans, Mamkwe said she would like to go for a Masters Degree Programme in Public Health, explaining that she wants to pursue a career in women’s health.
“I studied Biochemistry but because of this project, I want to go for Masters in Public Health so I can stand a better chance to function well in women’s health generally. I have already undergone some business classes.”
She said she would want to make the product globally competitive by ensuring maximum standards.
When contacted for his response, Commissioner for Small and Medium Enterprises, SME, Abia State, Mr Mike Akpara, expressed excitement at the development.
The Commissioner who commended the inventor for her enterprising spirit, asked her to write officially to the Ministry and indicate the kind of assistance she needed.
He also said that the Ministry would want to have the inventor demonstrate the new product before Ministry officials.
The Commissioner assured that the Ministry would help take the matter to the Governor for his necessary action.
Akpara re-stated the readiness of the Alex Otti-led administration to support innovative and enterprising Abians in achieving their dreams.
He said: “Let her do us a letter and come to demonstrate what she has invented, and we will look at it, and help push it to the Governor. She might get a favourable response. Everything is on the table. Let her come so we may see what she has done.”
In an interview, Director, Centre for Gender Youth and Child Development, MOUAU, Professor Mabel Onwuka, has lauded Miss Mamkwe for her revolutionary innovation which according to her, will mitigate pad-related financial pressure on girls especially students and dependents.
Professor Onwuka who is also the Chairman, Project/Programme/ Fund raising Committee of the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike Women Association, MOUAUWA, said the university women procured some quantity of the re-usable sanitary pads which they distributed to school girls and rural women during this year’s international women’s day celebration.
She pledged the support of the university women to enterprising and innovative female students.
