…calls for stronger partnerships to advance women’s leadership and rights in Africa
The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has reaffirmed her commitment to advocacy, resource mobilization, and fostering partnerships to bridge the gender gap and enhance women and youth empowerment in Nigeria.
She made this statement during the 29th General Assembly of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) in Addis Ababa.
The First Lady emphasized that this year’s General Assembly theme, “Building on Beijing: First Ladies Championing Women’s Leadership and Rights through African Heritage,” serves as a call to reflect on Africa’s values and their impact on shaping a new vision for women across the continent.
“This year marks three decades since the adoption of the Beijing Declaration. The impact of this declaration is evident in the remarkable progress Nigerian women have made, emerging from our villages to big cities and even the world stage. Their contributions span diverse fields, including education, health, science, technology, politics, music, fashion, business, and finance, among others.
Despite this progress, we still face significant challenges, particularly regarding the rights of women and children. Issues such as health disparities, female genital mutilation (FGM), child marriage, gender-based violence, and access to education for the girl child remain pressing concerns.”
Senator Tinubu underscored the importance of OAFLAD as a force for positive change on the African continent, urging the organization to strengthen partnerships that can fast-track the implementation of its 2025-2030 Strategic Framework.
“As we advance with #WeAreEqualInAction, I am committed to advocacy, resource mobilization, and fostering partnerships to close the gender gap and empower women and youth in Nigeria.
Finally, I want to assure this gathering that I will intensify efforts to support Nigerian girls, women, and youth in alignment with OAFLAD’s 2025-2030 Strategic Framework. I believe 2025 presents a crucial opportunity for our continent, and we must all play our part in making Africa a formidable force among the community of nations.
We must remember that Africa’s true prosperity will be built upon the foundation of our rich history, vibrant cultures, and the strength of our people, with women and youth playing a pivotal role in shaping our future.”
Reflecting on her journey with OAFLAD, which began in August 2023, she highlighted the achievements made in Nigeria for women, youth, the elderly, and other vulnerable groups through the effective implementation of OAFLAD’s advocacy initiatives via her pet project, Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI).
“In the area of health, RHI procured 60,000 professional kits (comprising scrubs and Crocs) for midwives to support the Federal Government’s ongoing retraining of 120,000 health workers. This initiative serves as an incentive to encourage and support the tireless dedication of midwives. It was made possible through a generous donation from an anonymous benefactor committed to improving health outcomes in Africa, particularly in reducing infant and maternal mortality and morbidity.
Recently, on January 29, 2025, I began the distribution of these professional kits, starting with 10,000 kits for the North Central zone during a three-day working visit to Kwara State. We will continue the distribution across the remaining five geopolitical zones of Nigeria in the coming months.
Additionally, with Nigeria bearing the highest burden of HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa, on January 30, 2025, I launched the Free to Shine Triple Elimination Campaign against HIV/AIDS, syphilis, and hepatitis. This campaign aims to significantly reduce new HIV infections among women of reproductive age, prevent mother-to-child transmission (vertical transmission) of HIV/AIDS, and enhance sexual and reproductive health services.”
The First Lady also informed the gathering—where 13 First Ladies were physically present and eight were represented—that RHI will collaborate with the Federal Ministry of the Environment to scale up environmental awareness among young people in secondary schools and higher institutions. This will be achieved through the re-launch of the Environment Climate Change Club.
Other speakers at the General Assembly included:
• H.E. Amb. Minata Samaté Cessouma, Outgoing Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs, and Social Development, African Union Commission
• Prof. Senait Fisseha, Vice President, Global Programs, Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation
• H.E. Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director, UNAIDS
They collectively reiterated the urgent need to intensify efforts in promoting opportunities for women, addressing gender-based violence, securing the future of African children, and tackling the continent’s critical $16 billion funding gap.
The 29th General Assembly of OAFLAD focused on championing women’s leadership and rights, marking 30 years since the 1995 Beijing Women’s Conference.
