First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Advocates For Early Childhood Education To Shape Nigeria’s Future

The first lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has stressed that focusing on early childhood education was an effective way to shape a child's life and ensure a strong future for both the individual and the nation.

Speaking during a high-level forum for women leaders in Bujumbura, Burundi, with the theme, "Investing in Early Childhood to Build Human Capital Throughout Life," Tinubu emphasized that these early years were crucial for determining life outcomes.

She joined other first ladies in highlighting the important role of women in nurturing children, particularly during their early years, as this period significantly influenced how a child developed in life.

"Over the years, research has shown that the early years, particularly from birth to age eight, are crucial for a child's cognitive, physical, and emotional growth," she said, as per the official statement shared on X (formerly known as Twitter).

"These years lay the foundation for their future, impacting not just education but also their long-term social, economic, and emotional well-being. Early childhood development also forms the cornerstone of sustainable development and national prosperity."

Senator Tinubu said, as first ladies, they have a special influence and responsibility to shape policies that will affect future generations.

The first lady further said that she believed early childhood development should be a top priority because of its massive impact on individuals and society. As women leaders and mothers, they can advocate for and lead social change, especially for women and children.

She suggested that the first step in supporting early childhood development was to gather more support to help the government implement effective education policies.

"We cannot develop ourselves or our children without our culture. We have everything needed to succeed in our culture. Good relationship between the couple is important in raising good children," she added.

Other speakers at the forum, including the First Ladies of Slovenia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Gambia, Turkiye, and representatives from the UN and UNICEF, emphasized the importance of school feeding programs.

They noted that these programs can encourage children to attend school at an early age, especially in Africa. They also discussed the need to promote peace in the region to ensure that early childhood education can lead to a better future for everyone.

This was the fifth edition of the Forum of Women Leaders held in Bujumbura, Burundi.

Last month, the first lady of Nigeria urged international development partners to aid the country in its efforts to implement climate-friendly school meal programs.