Joseph Bakare
The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Senator Oluremi Tinubu has said that First ladies of African countries have a duty to play a pivotal role in promoting peace in the region.
She was speaking at the commemoration of the International Day of Peace organized by the African First ladies Peace Mission.
The First Lady pointed out that women in general have the capacity deal with conflict without violence.
“Every individual, regardless of their gender, should be able to thrive in an environment free from violence and discrimination. The journey towards lasting peace requires dialogue, the engagement and empowerment of all members of society, in particular, women in leadership roles”.
“Women bring unique perspectives, qualities, compassion and experiences to the table, which can play a transformative role in conflict resolution, peacebuilding, and sustainable development”.
Senator Oluremi urged other First Ladies, religious leaders, women activists and female leaders of thought to promote gender equity, support other women in leadership, end violence against women and engage men as allies.
“I would like to end my address with this quote Ralph Waldo Emerson “Nothing can bring you peace but yourself.” As women, it is time we bring peace to ourselves and to our world”.
Also speaking at the event were the First Ladies of Burundi and the Bahamas who both emphasized that peace in the continent and indeed the world would not come except everyone makes it happen.
The wife of the General Overseer of the Redeem Christian Church of God Pastor Mrs Folu Adeboye also lent her voice to the fact that the world needs peace.
They then rang the peace bell after making individual wishes for peace in the world, peace with humanity and peace for individuals.
The event was an opportunity for the First Ladies from other nations of the world , some First Ladies from some states in Nigeria and other distinguished personalities to celebrate the First Lady of the federal Republic of Nigeria who turned 63 years old.
The event was the Africa First Ladies Peace Mission high level forum for 2023 United Nations Day of Peace at the UNGA 78th session.