Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has called for a global commitment to initiatives that support young people and equip them for future challenges.
She made the call while delivering her address on the second day of the 3rd Annual Global First Partners Academy, currently ongoing in New York.
Speaking on the theme “First Partners’ Role in the World: Preparing the Youth for the Future,” Mrs Tinubu stressed that the future must be shaped deliberately through targeted efforts rather than left to unfold by chance.
“Across continents, we face a 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,” she said. “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.”
The First Lady emphasised the transformative impact of investing in mental capacity and nurturing young people’s confidence.
“I have seen firsthand how building mental capacity, reshaping mindsets, 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 stated.
Mrs Tinubu linked her message to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and her own Renewed Hope Initiative, both of which, she said, aim to promote youth-centred programmes.
“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,” she noted.
She argued that meeting the aspirations of youths requires targeted investments in digital literacy, technology, creative industries, climate dialogue, and public service engagement.
“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,” she said. “We have to build bridges to engage our youth through scholarships, internships, mentorships, and programmes that foster civic participation and public service.”
She further urged First Ladies to use their positions to forge partnerships that deliver holistic solutions to the challenges facing children, women, and young people.
The academy featured faculty members made up of serving and former First Ladies who shared strategies for constructive dialogue, social cohesion, and inclusive growth.
Experts and guest speakers also delivered presentations on emerging topics, including Artificial Intelligence in women’s health, technological trends shaping youth development, and the role of AI in food security.
PIAK