Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu says First ladies of African countries play a pivotal role in promoting peace in the region.
She was speaking in New York, at the commemoration of the International Day of Peace organised by the African First ladies Peace Mission.
The First Lady pointed out that women in general have the capacity deal with conflict without violence.
“Every individual, regardless of their gender, should be able to thrive in an environment free from violence and discrimination.
“The journey towards lasting peace requires dialogue, the engagement and empowerment of all members of the society, in particular, women in leadership roles.
“Women bring unique perspectives, qualities, compassion and experiences to the table, which can play a transformative role in conflict resolution, peace building, and sustainable development,” said Mrs Tinubu.
Mrs Tinubu urged other First Ladies, religious leaders, women activists and female leaders of thought to promote gender equity, support other women in leadership, end violence against women and engage men as allies.
“I would like to end my address with this quote Ralph Waldo Emerson “Nothing can bring you peace but yourself.” As women, it is time we bring peace to ourselves and to our world,” she said.
Also speaking at the event were the First Ladies of Burundi and the Bahamas who both emphasised that peace in the continent and the world would not come except everyone makes it happen.
During the event, Mrs Tinubu had an opportunity to ring the bell of peace.
She was the 517th person to do so in the world.
The event was an opportunity for the First Ladies from other nations of the world and other distinguished personalities to celebrate the First Lady of the federal Republic of Nigeria who turned 63 years old on Thursday.
The event was the Africa First Ladies Peace Mission high level forum for 2023 United Nations Day of Peace at the 78th session of UNGA.
Dominica Nwabufo
