The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has emphasized that focusing on early childhood education is a powerful way to shape the lives of children and ensure a formidable future not only for individuals but for the nation as a whole.
She highlighted that these formative years significantly influence life outcomes.
The First Lady made these remarks during a high-level forum of women leaders with the central theme, “Investing in Early Childhood to Build Human Capital Throughout Life,” held in Bujumbura, Burundi.
Senator Tinubu, joining voices with other First Ladies present, stressed the critical role women play in nurturing children, particularly during the early stages of life, which she described as a strong determinant of a child’s future.
“Over the years, research has shown that the early years, particularly from birth to age eight, are crucial for a child’s cognitive, physical, and emotional growth. These years lay the foundation for their future, impacting not just education but also their long-term social, economic, and emotional well-being. Early childhood development also forms the cornerstone of sustainable development and national prosperity,” she said.
“As First Ladies, we hold a unique position of influence, and with that comes the responsibility to shape policies that impact generations. I strongly believe that early childhood development should be at the top of our agenda due to its transformative impact on individuals and society. As women leaders and mothers of the nation, we have the ability to advocate for, influence, and lead social change, particularly for women and children.
“In my opinion, the first step in early childhood education is to garner more support to complement the government’s efforts in effectively implementing early childhood education policies. As Nigeria’s First Lady and a lifelong teacher, I recognize that early childhood development is one of the most critical areas where we can make a lasting difference,” she said.
In his opening address, the President of the Republic of Burundi, Évariste Ndayishimiye, noted that the family remains a key factor in determining children’s outcomes and urged both parents to take this responsibility seriously.
“We cannot develop ourselves or our children without our culture. We have everything needed to succeed in our culture. A good relationship between the couple is important in raising good children,” he said.
Other speakers at the forum, including the First Ladies of Slovenia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, The Gambia, Türkiye, and representatives of the UN and UNICEF, emphasized school feeding programs as an incentive to encourage early school attendance, particularly in Africa.
They also discussed the importance of enhancing peace in the region to ensure early childhood education as a pathway to a better future.
This is the fifth edition of the Forum of Women Leaders, held in Bujumbura, Burundi.
