Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has joined counterparts from across the world at the 3rd Annual Global First Ladies Alliance Academy in New York, United States of America, to strategise on how their leadership roles can positively shape a rapidly changing global landscape.
Mrs Tinubu stressed the need for innovative solutions to address the challenges facing vulnerable groups in Nigeria.
She noted that her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) is focused on empowering women and youth to improve family life.
“This position is quite challenging. What you do will either complement your husband or be a burden to him. So do what you can and do it right,” she said.
“Don’t be afraid to give your little. That little could be a life saver for someone. Be bold to confront your challenges and that is what we are doing and we are beginning to see the impact gradually.”
First Ladies from Angola, Armenia, Belize, Guatemala, Iceland, Malawi, Mozambique, Panama, and Sierra Leone were in attendance, alongside several former First Ladies. Discussions centred on shared global concerns such as mental health and youth wellbeing, maternal health, food security, and the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence.
Dr Cora Neumann, Montana State Senator and founder of the Alliance, told participants that their leadership must extend beyond their time in office.
“Your ideas, challenges and insights have shaped every element of this experience and we welcome and expect you to continue shaping it with us,” she said.
“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 encouraged them to model Leadership through the Heart.
The event, organised by the Global First Ladies Alliance in collaboration with Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health, serves as an executive leadership training platform aimed at enhancing the impact and operational efficiency of First Ladies and building a global leadership network.
Mrs Tinubu is expected to deliver a special address later in the programme, highlighting her interventions for children, women, and youth in Nigeria.
PIAK