Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the Nigerian First Lady has affirmed that the only way to globally shape the future now is promote initiatives that supports the youth and their aspirations.
According toi a statement signed by Busola Kukoyi, the SSA Media to the First Lady, Tinubu made this call while giving her address on the second day of the ongoing Third Annual Global First Partners Academy in New York,
Speaking on the theme, First Partners Role in the World; Preparing the Youth for the Future, the First Lady said rather than wait for the future to happen, there must be concerted efforts to shape it in a positive way.
“Across continents, we face a common challenge of a rapidly evolving global landscape. Whether in Lagos, London, or Los Angeles, the future is being shaped by technology, innovation, climate change, migration, and new economic paradigms. As First Partners, we occupy a unique space: we are non-partisan influencers, public advocates, and maternal figures in our national and global communities. With this role comes an opportunity and a moral obligation to lead. I have seen first-hand how building mental capacity, reshaping mind-sets, and nurturing self-belief can transform lives. As a lifelong educator, my experience has made me realise that our youth are creative, innovative, hardworking and resilient. We just need to engage them positively, believe in them and create a conducive environment for them to thrive”.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu was emphatic that the first step towards building a sustainable future starts with acknowledging the potential of youths and backing their aspirations with strategic initiatives which she says is the main thrust of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and subsequently, her Renewed Hope Initiative.
“We cannot wait for the future to happen; we must shape it now. As Abraham Lincoln said, “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” This principle continues to guide my every decision”.
“I firmly believe that no problem is insurmountable, if we do the needful. Preparing the youth for the future also means meeting them where they are; in the digital space, in technology, creative industries and in conversations about climate action and governance. As adults, we have a lot of catching up to do. We have to build bridges to engage our youth through scholarships, internships, mentorships, and programs that foster civic participation and public service”.
She pointed out that as maternal figures in national and global communities, First Ladies must leverage their unique positions to seek partnerships that provide holistic solutions to issues affecting children, women and youths.
Faculty members made up of serving and former First Ladies took turns in sharing insights and tools on how to engage in constructive dialogue, promote social cohesion and lead initiatives that transform polarization into opportunities for inclusive growth.
Presentations by other First Partners, University Dons and other experts examined the roles of Artificial Intelligence in women’s health and Technological Trends Shaping Youth’s Future and AI in Food Security among others.
