By Raliat Adenekan
President Bola Tinubu today flagged off the African First Ladies summit in Abuja.
The President also launched the “Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), #WeAreEqual Campaign”, a program focusing on health, education, economic empowerment and gender-based violence, that is already running in about 15 other African countries.
President Tinubu speaking at the flag off of the event at the State House Banquet hall in Abuja, assured of his administration’s willingness to promote laws and policies that protect and promote women’s rights, invest in girls’ education and skills development, while it also create economic opportunities that are accessible to all.
The Nigerian Leader said these measures will enable more women succeed in different vocations and properly shape their future endeavours, from politics to engineering, science, technology, sports and the creative economy.
“This campaign holds significant importance for us in Africa. I, therefore, congratulate you all, particularly my dear wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady of Nigeria, who has chosen education as a primary tool to champion this campaign nationwide.
“The focus of the launch of this campaign in Nigeria, ‘Education as a Powerful Tool for Change’ is critical for Africa’s development, if we are to attain gender equity and ensure equal opportunities for all.
“We must continue to create opportunities for all our children to access quality education without leaving anyone behind, particularly the girl child. We must engender a society where everyone has the same opportunities, regardless of who they are, because doing that leads to a stronger and more peaceful society for all,” the President said.
President Tinubu noted that the launch of the campaign in Nigeria coincides with the re-introduction of the Alternative High School for Girls advanced by the First Lady, adding that this initiative offers a second chance to young girls, who have dropped out of school, to continue their education and fulfill their dreams and aspirations.
He emphasized the place of empowerment of women and girls, saying it is essential to achieving each of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
“We must be conscious of the fact that the empowerment of women and girls is essential to achieving each of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
President Tinubu restated that no Nigerian child is excluded from quality education that will prepare women and girls to lead and ensure positive changes to Nigeria communities.
” As Africans, we believe in wholesome society. We are family-oriented, and we value the collective well-being of all. It is our duty as parents and guardians to teach our girls our cherished cultural values and traditions. Africans are known for warm hospitality and generosity. Our can-do-spirit also imbues us with the ability to thrive in challenging environments and circumstances. We are who we are. We are Africans.
Nigerian First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu stated that the Campaign is focused on four main pillars, namely: Health, Gender-Based Violence, Education and Economic Empowerment – to rally stakeholders and call for action around each of these key issues.
“To promote the “#WeAreEqual” Campaign in Nigeria, I have decided to use education as a tool, whilst also not neglecting other pillars of the Campaign, many of which are also being championed under the scope of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) which is led by my Office to complement the efforts of the administration of Mr. President, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR”.
