Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, was part of a recent august gathering of the wives of past and present Presidents and Heads of Government of different countries of the world, and counselled the participants to always be bold to confront challenges and make positive impact in their different countries.
The First Ladies, who came together in New York, United States of America (USA), for the 3rd Annual Global First Ladies Alliance Academy, spent time brainstorming on how to contribute more positively to governance, especially as it affects women, youth, health, education, equity, and development.
The First Lady of the US, Mrs. Melania Trump, was expected to attend and address the gathering but according to sources, had to rush off to Texas with her husband, President Donald Trump, to visit the flood ravaged parts of the state.
Other First Ladies that participated in the Academy, organized by Global First Ladies Alliance in collaboration with Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, include the wife of the current Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Mrs. Fatima Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, and the wife of the former Prime Minister of Britain, Sarah Jane Brown.
Also in attendance, at the annual event, which serves as an executive leadership training program that sharpens the focus of members and offers extra support, were Ana Dias Lourenco of Angola, Anna Hakobyan of Armenia, Rossana Briceno of Belize, Lucrecia Peinado of Guatemala, Eliza Reid of Iceland, Monica Chakwera of Malawi, Gueta Chapo of Mozambique, and Maricel de Mulino of Panama.
Speaking on the theme, “First Partners’ Role in the World: Preparing the Youth for the Future,” Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Tinubu, who addressed the three-day program, said there must be a global resolve to shape the future now by promoting initiatives that support the youth and their aspirations, stressing that rather than wait for the future to happen, there must be concerted efforts to shape it now in a positive way.
Senator Tinubu, according to Busola Kukoyi, her SSA Media, also said that: “Across continents, we face the common challenge of a rapidly evolving global landscape. Whether in Lagos, London, or Los Angeles, the future is being shaped by technology, innovation, climate change, migration, and new economic paradigms.
“As First Partners, we occupy a unique space: we are non-partisan influencers, public advocates, and maternal figures in our national and global communities. With this role comes an opportunity and a moral obligation to lead.
“I have seen first-hand how building mental capacity, reshaping mind-sets, and nurturing self-belief can transform lives. As a lifelong educator, my experience has made me realise that our youth are creative, innovative, hardworking and resilient. We just need to engage them positively, believe in them and create a conducive environment for them to thrive.”
She noted further that the first step towards building a sustainable future starts with acknowledging the potential of youths and backing their aspirations up with strategic initiatives which she says is the main thrust of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and subsequently, her Renewed Hope Initiative.
“We cannot wait for the future to happen; we must shape it now. As Abraham Lincoln said, ‘The best way to predict the future is to create it.’ This principle continues to guide my every decision.
“I firmly believe that no problem is insurmountable, if we do the needful. Preparing the youth for the future also means meeting them where they are: in the digital space, in technology, creative industries, and in conversations about climate action and governance. As adults, we have a lot of catching up to do. We have to build bridges to engage our youth through scholarships, internships, mentorships, and programs that foster civic participation and public service.”
She pointed out that as maternal figures in national and global communities, First Ladies must leverage their unique positions to seek partnerships that provide holistic solutions to issues affecting children, women and youths.
Earlier, the chief facilitator and founder of the Alliance, Dr Cora Neumann, a Montana State Senator, had pointed out to the participating First Ladies that their leadership is needed not only during their time in office but throughout their life times. “Together you are setting the global standard for what it means to be an effective First Partner and collectively, you represent the hopes and needs of millions,” she said, and urged the Ladies to exemplify Leadership through the Heart.
The co-founder of the Academy, Nicole Field, in her presentation, said that the Alliance, which has been in existence for 16 years, offers the First Ladies space to build skills, deepen their impacts, and share challenges and victories.
Faculty members, made up of serving and former First Ladies, took turns in sharing insights and tools on how to engage in constructive dialogue, promote social cohesion and lead initiatives that transform polarization into opportunities for inclusive growth.
Other presentations by other First Partners, University Dons and subject experts examined the roles of Artificial Intelligence in women’s health and Technological Trends Shaping Youth’s Future, as well as AI in Food Security, among others.
Sarah Jane Brown, the wife of former UK Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, also gave a talk on how to enhance early child education and maternal health, among others.
The Ladies left New York better equipped for their roles as First Partners, and established enduring networks across continents for the sharing of experiences regarding their challenges and victories.
Pictures here, by JOHN NYAKU, show some of the First Ladies and others at the program.
