The First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, has called on women in leadership positions to work harder and ensure that they make life easier for other women, through economic empowerment and mentorship.
She made the call when the Forum of Female Chief Executive Officers of Government Agencies and Organisations paid her a visit at the State House, Abuja.
Mrs Tinubu described the CEOs as trail blazers that merit their roles and have a duty to mentor younger women.
“Birth yourselves in others. Look for them to mentor them. Replicate yourself in other women and that is the way we would be strong.
“Make yourselves unforgettable by the things you do outside your office,” she said.
Role Models
The First Lady reminded the Forum of great Matriarchs including Funmilayo Ransome Kuti, Margaret Ekpo, Gambo Sawaba, Abibat Mogaji and others, noting that they did a lot for Nigerian women by coming together and speaking up when needed.
“We have to come together, better and stronger than them. We have to ensure that we make life easier for women. Mentor young women, give scholarships, take one person through life. Don’t look for the volume,” she added.
On her decision to call for partnership in the completion of the National Library, the First Lady said the project would go a long way in helping indigent students in their educational pursuit.
Leader of the Forum, Director General of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NIDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, emphasised that they do not take the opportunity to serve the nation lightly and would continue to champion the course of good governance and service to citizens of Nigeria.
“As a group, Your Excellency, we do not take our mandates lightly and are sincerely grateful to His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for deeming us fit and proper to hold our respective offices, and that is why we are here to pledge our support to the Administration and to you as the First Lady of the Nation.
“We commend your Renewed Hope Initiatives. Your dedication to women’s empowerment is truly inspiring. Your efforts at women’s inclusion and ensuring women’s voices are heard are noteworthy. Your support for women’s rights and gender equity, and initiatives that uplift women.
“As a group and also as individuals, we affirm our commitment and unflinching support for your initiatives,” she stated.
She pledged on behalf of women in leadership, to work collaboratively with the First Lady as she continues to foster unity amongst women from diverse backgrounds, drive progress, and implement initiatives that promote women’s empowerment and national development.
24 female CEO’s heading various government agencies and organisations attended the meeting.