The First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has expressed her readiness to partner with the United Nations and its sister agencies to address various areas of concern, including the role of women in public life, increased participation in the economy, ending gender-based violence, child labour and the scourge of out-of-school children.
Mrs Tinubu disclosed this when the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Matthias Schmale, and his team paid her a courtesy visit at the State House Abuja on Wednesday.
Mr Schmale promised, on behalf of his organisation, to collaborate with the office of the First Lady, knowing her antecedents, especially in women and children.
He said the UN is aware of President Bola Tinubu‘s stand on improving the economic situation in the country, and the UN is in support of this.
He said, “One issue is the role of women in public life, and we are very keen on it as you. We offer our support significantly in increasing the number of women in public life in Nigeria.
“Secondly, it is our understanding that the president has made the economy an important stone. Again, we know that women play a crucial role in the economy, considering food and security as a national emergency.
“We are ready to explore what more we can do to support the government and Your Excellency, in increasing the role of women in the economy and revitalising the economy”.
Mr Schmale said the UN would support the first lady in ensuring that issues like polio, out-of-school children, child labour and violence against women are brought to a minimal level.
In her response, Mrs Tinubu said her office was ready to accept the UN offer, saying all the organisation stated are areas she remains passionate about and they are of importance to her.
She said her national programme, ‘Renewed Hope Initiative’, is also considering all the issues.
Credit: premiumtimesng.com
