Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has called on world leaders—especially First Ladies—to embrace creative and modern solutions for solving the growing problems affecting vulnerable people globally.
She made this call during her speech at the 3rd Global First Ladies Alliance Academy held in New York. The event brings together First Ladies from different countries to improve their leadership skills and collaborate on solving global issues.
Oluremi highlighted her “Renewed Hope Initiative” as one of the programs she uses to support women and young people in Nigeria. According to her, the goal is to help families live better and more stable lives.
She admitted that being a First Lady comes with pressure. She noted that your actions can either support your husband’s leadership or make things harder for him, which is why she advised fellow First Ladies to always do their best and do what’s right.
In her words, “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.”
Other First Ladies in attendance 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.
Dr. Cora Neumann, the founder of the Alliance and a Montana state senator, reminded the women that leadership doesn’t end when they leave office. She told them their influence should continue for a lifetime.
Neumann added that their ideas and personal stories have helped shape the academy’s vision and encouraged them to keep contributing. She praised them for setting a global standard of what it means to be a strong, effective First Lady.
She also urged them to lead with love and compassion, not just power.
The Global First Ladies Alliance Academy was organized in partnership with Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health. It is a training program created to sharpen leadership skills, improve effectiveness, and build a supportive network among First Ladies around the world.
In the coming days, Oluremi Tinubu will deliver a special address at the forum. She is expected to speak in more detail about the ways her programs have positively changed the lives of women, children, and young people in Nigeria.
The academy continues to focus on building stronger leadership, increasing impact, and creating a global community of First Ladies working together for a better world.
