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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, has emphasised the urgent need for global commitment to youth empowerment and future-building initiatives.
She made the call while delivering an address on the second day of the Third Annual Global First Partners Academy.
Speaking on the theme, “First Partners’ Role in the World: Preparing the Youth for the Future,” Mrs Tinubu called for proactive efforts to shape a positive future rather than waiting passively for it to unfold. She said: “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. 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.”
Drawing from her extensive experience as an educator, the First Lady highlighted the transformative power of nurturing youth potential. She said: “I have seen first-hand how building mental capacity, reshaping mind-sets 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 stressed that the foundation for a sustainable future lies in recognising and supporting the aspirations of young people through strategic initiatives. She linked this vision to the broader national agenda: “The first step towards building a sustainable future starts with acknowledging the potential of youths and backing their aspirations with strategic initiatives which is the main thrust of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, and subsequently, my Renewed Hope Initiative.”
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She urged immediate action, quoting Abraham Lincoln to underscore her point. “We cannot wait for the future to happen; we must shape it now. According to Abraham Lincoln, the best way to predict the future is to create it. This principle continues to guide my every decision,” she said.
On the practical side of youth engagement, the First Lady emphasised the importance of meeting young people in the spaces where they thrive today. “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. We have to build bridges to engage our youth through scholarships, internships, mentorships and programmes that foster civic participation and public service.”
She also highlighted the unique role of First Ladies as maternal figures with the power to forge partnerships and holistic solutions. She said: “As maternal figures in national and global communities, First Ladies must leverage their unique positions to seek partnerships that provide holistic solutions to issues affecting children, women and youths.”
The Academy’s faculty, composed of serving and former First Ladies, shared valuable insights on fostering constructive dialogue, promoting social cohesion and transforming polarisation into inclusive growth opportunities.
Other sessions featured presentations by university experts and First Partners on cutting-edge topics such as Artificial Intelligence’s role in women’s health, technological trends shaping youth’s future, and AI’s applications in food security.
