By Akinsuroju Olubunmi
Values eroding among youth, First Lady warns.
First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has raised an alarm that Nigerian children are at risk of losing their identity if urgent actions are not taken to correct the declining sociocultural values among the youth. She made this statement at the ‘Celebrating the Nigerian Woman’ event, organized as part of the activities marking President Bola Tinubu’s first year in office. The event aimed to honor women who have made significant contributions in various fields, communities, and the nation.
In her address, First Lady Tinubu highlighted the essential role of women as the foundation of the home and society. She emphasized the importance of nurturing children and instilling good morals while preserving cultural and traditional values. “Gathered here today are women from across all sectors of our society, who have individually and collectively contributed to the development of our great nation. Every woman, irrespective of age, is a mother, a nurturer, a builder, and the foundation upon which our families, communities, and institutions thrive,” she said in a statement issued by her Senior Special Assistant, Busola Kukoyi.
Expressing her concern, the First Lady warned that without intervention, the current state of society could lead to children losing their identity. She urged women to become unifying forces in their homes and communities to drive greater prosperity for the nation, drawing inspiration from the legacies of pioneering women who have paved the way. “When mothers stand with you, the house is in order. Looking ahead, we must endeavor to become the unifying force in our homes and our communities, to bring about greater prosperity for our nation. Let us continue to draw from the lessons of the pioneers who have paved the way and build on the legacies they have left behind,” she added.
First Lady Tinubu also called on everyone to contribute their efforts and continue praying for President Bola Tinubu and the nation until Nigeria reaches its full potential, which she referred to as “Eldorado.” She expressed her gratitude to mothers and supporters, saying, “To all our mothers here today, and to those who have supported and keep touching our lives in countless ways, I say thank you. Thank you for your love, strength, and unending sacrifices.”
Wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima, praised Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her extensive experience, having served as First Lady of Lagos State for eight years, Senator of the Federal Republic for eight years, and now as the First Lady of Nigeria. She described her as an embodiment of humility, zeal, passion, commitment, and sincerity of purpose. Addressing the First Lady, Hajia Shettima said, “I thank my Almighty Allah for blessing me with you. I always see you as a role model. I want to assure you Insha Allah, together forever Ma.”
Hajia Shettima also encouraged the First Ladies of various states to learn from Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s wealth of experience. Wife of former Head of State, Mrs. Victoria Gowon, emphasized that Nigeria will not progress unless women unite. She advocated for unity among women to mentor others, which she believes will eventually lead to Nigeria producing a female president. “Until we as women unite, we are not going anywhere. We have to unite. We have to remove our differences; it doesn’t matter where you come from or who you love, you are a woman, you are a mother. At this juncture, I call on women of Nigeria to support Mrs. Tinubu in the office she is today. She has shown that she can help women of Nigeria, she can support the children of Nigeria. And together we will be strong, together, one day, we will find amongst us, one of us that can be the leader of this country,” she said.
Former First Lady, Patience Jonathan, thanked Senator Oluremi Tinubu for acknowledging former first ladies and for her ongoing recognition of their contributions to the nation. She stressed the importance of unity and support among Nigerian women for the country’s progress. “Nigerian women, we have a mother who loves, cares for her children and in turn stands by her side. Onyeka (the lady of song) has said it all, one love keeps us together. Where there is love, peace will keep us together and shine on us together.”
Chief Mrs. Nike Akande praised the event as a good initiative for celebrating mothers of the nation, noting that the First Lady’s life has been one of service and honor.
Women, Society.
Values eroding among youth, First Lady warns