Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has joined her counterparts from around the world to discuss how First Ladies can utilise their influence to create lasting and meaningful change, particularly in the lives of women, children, and vulnerable populations.
Speaking at the 3rd Annual Global First Ladies Alliance Academy held in New York, Senator Tinubu stressed the need for innovative, people-centred solutions to address Nigeria’s pressing socio-economic challenges.
She said her work through the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), which focuses on empowering women and youth, is already beginning to yield tangible results.
“This position is quite challenging,” she told fellow First Ladies. “What you do will either complement your husband or be a burden to him. So, do what you can, and do it right.”
“Don’t be afraid to give your little. That little could be a life-saver for someone. Be bold to confront your challenges. That is what we are doing, and we are beginning to see the impact gradually,” she added.
The forum brought together First Ladies from around the world, including Ana Dias Lourenco (Angola), Anna Hakobyan (Armenia), Rossana Briceno (Belize), Lucrecia Peinado (Guatemala), Eliza Reid (Iceland), Monica Chakwera (Malawi), Gueta Chapo (Mozambique), Maricel de Mulino (Panama), and Fatima Maada Bio (Sierra Leone), among others.
The participants shared personal experiences and national strategies on a wide range of issues, including mental health (particularly among youth), maternal health, food security, and the rapidly evolving influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
In her remarks, Dr Cora Neumann, Montana State Senator and Founder of the Global First Ladies Alliance, stressed that the leadership of First Ladies should extend beyond their time in office.
“Your ideas, challenges and insights have shaped every element of this experience,” 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 urged the participants to exemplify “leadership through the heart”, stressing that their advocacy and platform could serve as a powerful force for inclusive development and global change.
The annual academy, organised by the Global First Ladies Alliance in collaboration with Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health, offers executive leadership training tailored to enhance the visibility, influence, and operational effectiveness of First Ladies and former First Ladies around the world.
Senator Tinubu is expected to deliver a special address at the academy in the coming days, where she will spotlight her signature initiatives focused on children’s welfare, women’s empowerment, and youth development under the RHI platform.
The academy aims to not only sharpen the leadership skills of participants but also to foster a community of globally connected, impact-driven leaders in the unique space occupied by First Ladies.
