First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has assured traditional rulers that the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution will guarantee a defined role for them in nation building.
Speaking during an interactive session with traditional and religious leaders on Friday in Lagos, Mrs. Tinubu described monarchs as “custodians of tradition and culture” with significant influence at the grassroots level.
According to a statement by her media aide, Busola Kukoyi, the first lady emphasised that the constitutional review provided a unique opportunity to resolve the long-debated issue of constitutional recognition for traditional rulers.
The first lady assured that the review would ensure that traditional rulers were given a defined role in nation building, recognizing their importance in Nigerian society.
Mrs Tinubu also urged traditional rulers and Abu Hassan to step up advocacy on various public health campaigns, including Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS testing, HPV vaccination for girls, and other health initiatives.
She introduced the upcoming Green Nigeria Challenge, organised under her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), which aimed to promote environmental sustainability and youth empowerment.
The first lady also highlighted the Flow With Confidence programme, which would provide adolescent girls in rural areas with a year’s supply of disposable sanitary towels, enabling them to attend school without interruption during their menstrual cycle.
The initiative is part of her efforts to support girls’ education and empowerment.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu praised Mrs. Tinubu for her various RHI programmes, which have empowered women and youths through initiatives such as the Young Farmers Club, scholarships for girls, and advocacy against diseases like Tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and cervical cancer.
Speaking on behalf of traditional rulers, Oba Kabiru Shotobi, the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, appealed to the first lady to promote alternative schools for boys alongside her support for girls’ education.
Mrs. Tinubu’s two-day visit will continue with the RHI/SDG Women Empowerment Programme for 500 women in Lagos and the inauguration of the Lagos State Leather Hub.
