The Summit on Emerging Trends in the Role of the First Lady in National Development organized by the Office of the First Lady. Mrs Aisha Buhari in collaboration with Women and National Development (WAND) has recommended institutionalizing the office of the wife of the president and her counterparts at state levels given their achievements.
This recommendation was contained in a communique signed by Dr Batsy Obaseki First Lady, Edo State (Summit Chair) and Dr Hajo Sani, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Administration and Women Affairs, Office of the First Lady and issued at the end of the summit to the media on Saturday.
According to the communique, the Summit identified several strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats associated with the position of the First Lady, discussed their impact on those occupying the position before coming up with its recommendations.
It stated: “Summit affirmed the tremendous achievements made by Her Excellency Dr Aisha Buhari, her predecessors, and Wives of the State Governors in Nigeria and resolved that policy and administrative measures are required at National and State levels to formally accommodate the existence of this indispensable office as a complement to inclusive governance. This will also foster more accountability and transparency in governance.
“Summit encouraged every First Lady to champion an issue or a cause. It was also noted that projects should be structured as sustainable Legacy Projects and not programs that will fold after the initiator leaves office.
“Summit advised that First Ladies should be focused, passionate, knowledgeable and resourceful and engage in projects that are impactful
“Summit suggested that First Ladies be more visible in order to highlight their contributions and showcase how important their leadership is at the national and sub-national level
“Summit discussed the dismal numbers of women in leadership and decision-making in Nigeria and challenged First Ladies to serve as mentors and champions in order to open doors for more women in public life.
“Summit raised the importance of First Ladies as role models for women and youth. To this end, and in order to avoid negative perceptions and stereotypes, First Ladies were encouraged to live up to expectations by being approachable and inclusive.”
The Summit also pointed out that projects implemented by First Ladies should not be referred to as ‘Pet Projects’ because such terminology trivializes the importance of the initiatives.
It thus urged First Ladies to support advocacy initiatives that will facilitate laws and policies to ensure lasting institutional change to tackle key social issues such as Gender-Based Violence, Health, Education of the Girl-Child and other important issues.
