The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called on the youth to focus positively and set their minds on creative pursuits.
She made this appeal during a visit to the Yunus Emre Institute in Maitama, Abuja, at the invitation of the First Lady of the Republic of Turkey, Mrs. Emine Erdoğan.
The Yunus Emre Institute, established by the Turkish government, trains Nigerians in creative arts and fosters cultural exchange between the two countries.
“This center provides great opportunities for you to live your dreams as artists. You are not only learning about Turkey but also actualizing your dreams,” said Senator Tinubu. “Believe in what you are doing, and as long as you set your mind to it, you will succeed. Dream big, but do not despise the days of humble beginnings.”
The First Lady inspected some of the paintings exhibited by female Nigerian artists at the center and expressed her delight at the level of creativity.
She encouraged the artists to express more positivity in their creative works. She also visited a classroom where children from an orphanage were receiving formal education, courtesy of the Turkish Embassy in Nigeria.
“I see this as a step towards granting our children scholarships, just as we have with the Republic of Belarus. Turkish citizens here should also learn some of our languages,” she remarked.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu expressed her appreciation to the First Lady of the Republic of Turkey, Mrs. Emine Erdoğan, for her presence at the recently concluded OIC High-Level Seminar on Cancer Awareness hosted by Nigeria and for extending an invitation to visit the center.
“I appreciate the First Lady for all the work she is doing for Africa and also for identifying Africa as the rising sun and light,” she added.
Earlier, the Ambassador of Turkey to Nigeria, Hidayet Bayraktar, welcomed the First Lady to the center and noted the collaborative efforts between the two nations, especially in the areas of cultural exchange and education.
“Our relations have been growing, especially in economic issues. We have very good political relations as well. One aspect of these relations is, of course, the cultural exchange between our two countries. One aim of this institute is to provide Nigerian students learning Turkish the opportunity to work in Turkish companies, whether they establish here or go to Turkey,” said Ambassador Bayraktar.
The Ambassador expressed optimism about a more robust relationship between the two countries.
