First Lady Canvasses Ways to Impact Real, Lasting Positive Global Change

• Joins global colleagues at third annual first ladies’ academy in New York

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

Wife of the president, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has joined her counterparts across the world to map out ways in which their leadership can ensure the changing world goes in the right direction.

Speaking at the 3rd Annual Global First Ladies Alliance Academy in New York, Mrs. Tinubu, stated that getting around the challenges that faced the vulnerable segments of Nigeria required the adoption of innovative solutions.

Her comments were contained in a release issued on Wednesday by her Media Assistant, Busola Kukoyi.

She said that was one of the reasons, through the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), she championed the cause of women and youth to achieve better lives for families.

According to the first lady, “This position is quite challenging. What you do will either compliment 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 and that is what we are doing and we are beginning to see the impact gradually.”

Mrs. Tinubu’s special address at the academy in the coming days was expected to highlight her transformative interventions for children, women, and the youth in Nigeria.

Other first ladies present at the meeting included 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.

Several other former first ladies shared their experiences and actions taken on sundry issues, including mental health and wellbeing, especially among the youth, maternal health, food security, rapid growth, among others.

The chief facilitator and founder of the alliance, Dr Cora Neumann, a Montana State Senator, pointed out to the participating first ladies that their leadership was needed not only during their time in office but throughout their life time.

Neumann stated, “Your ideas, challenges and insights have shaped every element of this experience and we welcome and expect you to continue shaping it with us.

“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 first ladies to exemplify leadership through the heart.

The academy organised by Global First Ladies Alliance, in collaboration with Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, is an executive leadership training programme that sharpens the focus of members and offers extra support.

The academy’s focus is on strengthening the leadership skills of participants, enhancing their impact and office efficiency, as well as building a global leadership community among them.