First Lady Oluremi Tinubu: Early Childhood Education is Key to Building a Strong Future.

The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has emphasized that prioritizing early childhood education is a powerful way to shape children’s lives and secure a strong future for individuals and the nation. Speaking at a high-level forum of women leaders in Bujumbura, themed “Investing in Early Childhood to Build Human Capital Throughout Life,” she highlighted the critical role of early years in determining life outcomes.
Senator Tinubu, alongside other First Ladies, stressed the importance of women in nurturing children, particularly during their formative years, which are essential for cognitive, physical, and emotional development. She noted that early childhood development is the foundation for a child’s future success, influencing education, social, economic, and emotional well-being, and contributing to sustainable national development.
“As First Ladies, we have a unique position of influence and a responsibility to shape policies that affect generations. Early childhood development must be a top priority because of its transformative impact on society. As women leaders, we can lead social change and advocate for effective early childhood education policies,” Tinubu stated, drawing on her experience as Nigeria’s First Lady and a lifelong teacher.
Burundi’s president, Évariste Ndayishimiye, also addressed the forum. He stressed the family’s role in shaping children’s lives and urged parents to take their responsibilities seriously. He also underscored the importance of culture and strong marital relationships in raising well-rounded children.
Other speakers, including the First Ladies of Slovenia, DRC, Gambia, Turkiye, and representatives from the UN and UNICEF, focused on the importance of school feeding programs as a strategy to encourage school attendance in Africa. They also discussed the role of peace in promoting early childhood education as a path to a brighter future for the region.
This was the fifth edition of the Forum of Women Leaders, held in Bujumbura, Burundi.