OAFLAD honours First Lady for advocacy on women, children’s welfare

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, has been honoured by the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development for her outstanding contributions to the welfare of women and children.

The recognition was presented on Sunday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, during the 29th and 30th Ordinary General Assemblies of OAFLAD.

In a statement on Sunday signed by Kwapchi Bata Hamman, Special Assistant to the President on Media & ICT, Office of the Vice President, the award was described as an acknowledgement of Senator Tinubu’s sustained interventions in girl-child education and hygiene, as well as her efforts toward reducing maternal and child mortality and strengthening support systems for mothers and children.

The First Lady, who was represented at the event by the Wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, received the honour on behalf of Nigeria.

Under its “We Are Equal” campaign, OAFLAD continues to champion gender equality, women’s economic empowerment, and expanded access to education across the African continent. Discussions at the Assembly emphasised the urgent need for unity and collaboration among African nations to effectively address the challenges facing women and children, particularly in conflict-affected regions.

In her remarks, the First Lady of Sierra Leone and Chairperson of the forum, Fatima Maada Bio, commended Senator Tinubu for her strong advocacy and impactful initiatives supporting women and children in Nigeria and beyond. She underscored the vital link between sustainable development and peace, noting that women’s rights cannot be fully realised in unstable environments.

Similarly, the First Lady of Ghana, Lordina Mahama, stressed the importance of investing in girl-child education and empowering women artisans to build sustainable livelihoods.