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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, joined First Ladies from across continents in New York, engaging in a crucial dialogue aimed at harnessing their collective influence to steer the world towards a path of positive and lasting change.
According to a statement by the Media aide, Busola Kukoyi, the 3rd Annual Global First Ladies Alliance Academy, held at a prominent New York venue, brought together a distinguished assembly of spouses of heads of state, all committed to addressing pressing global challenges.
Mrs Tinubu, according to the statement, was a prominent voice at the academy, emphasising the urgent need for innovative solutions to uplift vulnerable segments of society.
“Getting around the challenges that face the vulnerable segments of Nigeria requires the adoption of innovative solutions,” she stated, highlighting her ongoing efforts through the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) to empower women and youth and improve family well-being.
Mrs Tinubu candidly shared her perspective on the demanding nature of her role, underscoring its significant impact.
“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 advised her counterparts.
She further encouraged boldness and resilience in the face of adversity.
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“Don’t be afraid to give your little. That little could be a lifesaver for someone. Be bold to confront your challenges, and that is what we are doing, and we are beginning to see the impact gradually.”
The esteemed gathering included First Ladies such as 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, Maricel de Mulino of Panama, and Fatima Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, among several former First Ladies. They shared invaluable experiences and insights on a diverse range of critical issues, including mental health and well-being, particularly among youth, maternal health, food security, and the rapid growth of artificial intelligence.
A Montana State Senator and the chief facilitator and founder of the Global First Ladies Alliance, Cora Neumann, underscored the enduring importance of their leadership beyond their husbands’ tenures.
“Your leadership is needed not only during your time in office but throughout your lifetime,” she asserted.
Neumann commended the First Ladies for their active participation and encouraged their continued engagement. “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 further highlighted the collective impact of the First Ladies, stating, “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 urged the attendees to embody “Leadership through the Heart.”
The academy, a collaborative effort between the Global First Ladies Alliance and Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, serves as an executive leadership training program.
Its core objectives are to sharpen the participants’ focus, enhance their impact and office efficiency, and foster a robust global leadership community among them.
