US First Lady Jill Biden recently hosted a farewell luncheon for First Ladies from around the globe, including Nigeria's Oluremi Tinubu, during the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York .
The luncheon was a gesture to bid farewell to the visiting First Ladies, providing an opportunity for them to connect and share experiences.
Jill who reflected on the relationships built during her tenure, noted on Wednesday, 25 September, 2024 that this would be the final of such gathering as First Lady of the United States.
The American First lady expressed her gratitude for their continued partnership in promoting peace and development worldwide, assuring them that their relationship would continue even after she leaves office in January 2025.
“I appreciate you all for always attending this gathering. I have a strong feeling that I will see more of you in the next chapter of my life.
“I wish you all the best as you return to your respective countries, especially those with long journeys ahead,” Jill Biden said in a statement on X by Busola Kukoyi, spokesperson for Tinubu.
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) luncheons position as an opportunity for global leaders and their spouses to connect, discuss important issues, and build relationships.
The events facilitate bilateral talks, strengthen diplomatic ties, and foster partnerships that can lead to meaningful collaborations.
During the 79th UNGA, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu emphasized Nigeria's commitment to multilateralism, urging world leaders to recommit to deepening relations among UN member states .
The president also highlighted the need for reforms in the international financial architecture, debt forgiveness for developing countries, and collective action against global challenges like hunger, terrorism, and climate change.
The UNGA provides a platform for leaders to address pressing issues, and this year's session saw African First Ladies, including Oluremi Tinubu, advocating for equality and sharing their experiences as part of the #WeAreEqual campaign.
The 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) is an annual event where representatives from all 193 UN member states gather to discuss and address global issues.
On Tuesday, another Kukoyi statement noted that Nigeria’s First Lady reaffirmed her commitment to the fight against Tuberculosis (TB) at a UNGA side event hosted by the Stop TB Partnership.
Highlighting Nigeria’s high TB burden, which claims 125,000 lives annually, she emphasised the need for a unified approach to tackle both TB and Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).
“TB affects all, but the poor are most vulnerable,” she noted.
She called for innovative strategies, increased awareness, and prioritised research to develop new tools and vaccines.
Key stakeholders, including global leaders and health ministers, attended the event, themed “Breaking the Resistance: Fighting AMR and TB Together for a Healthy Future.”
“The event, which had in attendance wives of the Kwara and Imo State Governors, Dr Olufolake Abdulrazaq and Barr. Chioma Uzodimma, Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate and Ministers from other countries,” it read.
Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu attended the lunch, held at Pier 57, New York, as one of the events marking the end of her engagements and participation at the 79th session of UNGA .
Nigeria's Oluremi Tinubu has been engaged in empowering women and promoting digital literacy in Nigeria.
Her numerous initiative, Renewed Hope, since she assumed the position has provided training and empowerment programmes for women, focusing on digital skills and economic independence.
As other first ladies, Tinubu has represented Nigeria on the global stage, advocating for women's empowerment and development.
