First Lady Calls for Greater Support and Opportunities for Youth

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has joined other first ladies around the world in calling for stronger support and empowerment for young people through the promotion of targeted initiatives.

Speaking at the 3rd Annual Global First Partners Academy in New York, Mrs. Tinubu emphasized the urgent need for a global commitment to shaping the future by investing in youth and their aspirations. Her remarks were shared in a statement released on Thursday in Abuja by her media assistant, Busola Kukoyi.

Addressing the forum under the theme “First Partners’ Role in the World: Preparing the Youth for the Future,” the First Lady underscored the importance of proactive engagement.

“Rather than waiting for the future to unfold, we must take deliberate steps to shape it positively,” she said.

She pointed out that nations across the world face similar challenges driven by rapid technological change, climate issues, migration, and shifting economic structures.

“As first partners, we hold a unique position—non-partisan influencers, advocates, and maternal figures within our national and global communities. This role carries both an opportunity and a moral obligation to lead,” she said.

Drawing on her background in education, Mrs. Tinubu noted that young people are inherently creative, resilient, and driven—but need the right environment to thrive.

“I’ve seen how developing mental capacity, reshaping mindsets, and nurturing self-belief can change lives. Our youth need to be positively engaged and supported,” she added.

She highlighted that building a sustainable future begins with recognizing young people’s potential and actively supporting their goals. She also referenced the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, alongside her Renewed Hope Initiative, both of which include strategies to uplift Nigeria’s youth.

“We cannot afford to be passive. As Abraham Lincoln said, ‘The best way to predict the future is to create it.’ This is the principle that guides my work,” she stated.

Mrs. Tinubu also stressed the importance of engaging youth where they are—particularly in digital spaces, technology, creative industries, and civic discussions around climate change and governance.

“To truly prepare them, we must meet them on their terms. That means offering scholarships, internships, mentorships, and platforms for civic participation,” she said.

She concluded by urging fellow first ladies to use their unique positions to forge partnerships that deliver comprehensive solutions to the challenges facing women, children, and young people globally.