By Gidado Ibrahim
First ladyship has its origin in the United States. According to history, it originated in 1849 when president Zachary Taylor called Dolley Madison “first lady” at her funeral, while reciting her eulogy. However, it was said to have gained wider recognition in 1877 when Mary C. Amees wrote an article in the New York city newspaper, The Independent, describing the inauguration of President Rutherford B. Hayes – she was quoted as having used the term to describe Lucy Webb Hayes.
The term is now used all over the world to describe the wife of a president or head of state.
The office of First Lady has no constitutional backing globally. In Nigeria, it began to gain prominence during the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida (rtd). His wife, the late Maryam Babangida, popularized it with her Better Life for Rural Women programme in the 80’s and 90’s. Since then, subsequent wives of presidents or heads of states have amplified the relevance of that office with life-changing pet projects.
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The current First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, is one in her own class. She’s not only the wife of Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu, but also an eminent stateswoman vested in statescraft. Having served three terms uninterrupted, proving her mettle in the various spheres of our national life, she has since launched a pet project known as Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI). In keeping with its mandate of empowering Nigerian women with enabling skills, the RHI recently graduated the first set of beneficiaries of its Women in ICT Training and Empowerment Programme.
There is a very old and famous saying that “behind every successful man, there stands a woman”. This aptly captures the life of the current Nigerian First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu. In the political history of Nigeria, this is the first time the president, Senator Bola Tinubu, is a firmer parliamentarian, same as his vice, Senator Kashim Shettima. And to cap it all, the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu is a three-term Senator representing Lagos Central.
The holy Bible asked in Proverbs 31vs10: “Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her.” Similarly, An-Nisa 4:34, 34th verse in the fourth chapter of the holy Quran says, “So virtuous women are those who are obedient, and guard the secrets of their husbands with Allah’s protection.” This is an excellent description of Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s personae. Besides her administrative, legislative and business acumen, the First Lady is an ordained Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God and a virtuous mother, given the character of her children.
I agree with the statement that the active supportive role of the Nigerian First Lady, Senator Oluremi to her husband, President Tinubu, is indispensable to the success of the Renewed Hope Government. Armed with a bumper resume, without an iota of a doubt, Oluremi Tinubu is a stabilising factor for Tinubu’s government.
The First Lady is a powerful and influential figure in Nigerian politics. Her support for her husband is essential to the success of his government. She is a stabilising force who provides him with valuable advice and support.
So far, she has helped to promote her husband’s policies and agenda to the Nigerian public. She has also used her platform as First Lady to raise awareness of important issues such as women empowerment, child education, and healthcare. She has worked to bridge the gap between the government and the Nigerian people. She has provided her husband with valuable advice and support on a range of issues.
Overall, Oluremi Tinubu is a valuable asset to her husband’s government. Her courage under fire and ability to keep her cool irrespective of storms is a sign of her strength, resilience and leadership. She is a woman who is not afraid to stand up for what she believes in, even when it is difficult. She is also a woman who is able to stay calm and collected in the midst of adversity.
Her courage has been evident throughout her career. When she was First Lady of Lagos State, she spoke out against injustice. She also worked to improve the lives of women and children in the state.
As a Senator, Mrs Tinubu has continued to be a vocal advocate for good governance and social justice. She has been a strong supporter of her husband’s political career, even when he has faced challenges. Tinubu is a true inspiration to us all. She is a woman who has shown that it is possible to overcome any obstacle and to achieve anything you set your mind to.
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Oluremi, as a role model for women and men everywhere, is a woman of strength, resilience and leadership.
Since her husband became President of Nigeria on May 29, she has been a strong supporter of his administration. She has also used her platform as First Lady to promote women’s empowerment and child education.
Senator Tinubu’s statecraft is evident in her many years of public service. She has served as the First Lady of Lagos State and as a Senator representing Lagos Central Senatorial District. In these roles, she has worked tirelessly to promote good governance and to improve the lives of her constituents. She is a champion of women’s empowerment and child education. She has also been a vocal advocate for social justice and human rights.
Senator Tinubu’s motherhood is evident in her love for her children and her commitment to their well-being. She is also a role model for mothers and women everywhere. She has shown that it is possible to be a successful career woman and a devoted mother at the same time.
Senator Oluremi is a true embodiment of statecraft, astuteness, and motherhood. As a role model for women and men everywhere, her dedication to serving her country and her people is an inspiration to us all.
In conclusion, let me state here that in actualising her Renewed Hope Initiative, the First Lady must closely work with major stakeholders. On the continental front, Senator Oluremi should hold meetings with other African First Ladies to complete her husband’s role as chairman of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States.
This will demonstrate that she is not just the mother of the Nigerian nation, but also of the entire African continent. With this, she can address all the vices across the continent by seeking legislation for unconditional punishment for culprits of domestic violence, rape, among others. The legislation will not only ensure justice for rape victims; the bills would also secure legislations to support women in needs.
This explains why the First Lady should also perfect plans to complete the construction of African First Ladies headquarters in Abuja.
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In Nigeria, the First Lady should also work closely with wives of state governors to map out effective strategies that would restore peace and economic stability in the country. Senator Oluremi she also encourage the ruling class to provide for vulnerable Nigerians by visiting orphanage homes to give succor to motherless children.
These orphanage homes contributed immensely to the emergence of the Renewed Hope Initiative. Most of the orphanages we visited across the country during the 3023 campaigns, seeking for Tinubu’s election, were solidly behind the Tinubu/Shettima ticket.
First Lady Oluremi should also hold roundtable discussions with Nigerian officers wives, including the Army, Navy Airforce, Police, DSS, NIA, NIS, NCS, Fire Service and wives of permanent secretaries on how to implement the Renewed Hope economic development agenda. By so doing, she would have assisted in restoring peace and stability in our great nation.
With such collaborations, it would be difficult for the enemies of the country to propagate lies based on religious sentiment. It will send strong signals to political charlatans that we are one nation and one destiny, which was the mantra upon which President Tinubu based his electioneering campaign.
May the Almighty God bless Nigeria.
– Ibrahim is director, Communications and Strategic Planning, of the Presidential Support Committee (PSC).