First Lady Tinubu: Early childhood education pivotal to formidable, successful future

*Nigerian First Lady (Senator) Oluremi Tinubu, CON, says focusing on early child education remains a potent means to shape the life of the child, and ensure a formidable future not only for the individual but the country, affirming that women’s role in nurturing the child is an important one in human society

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

First Lady (Senator) Oluremi Tinubu, CON, has submitted that focusing on Early Child Education is a potent means to shape the life of the child, and ensure a formidable future not only for the individual but the country as a whole.

Senator Tinubu emphasised that the child’s formative years shape outcomes of life thereafter.

The First Lady noted this while speaking at a high-level forum of women leaders with the central theme: “Investing in Early Childhood to Build Human Capital Throughout Life”, held in Bujumbura, Burundi.

This is the Fifth edition of the Forum of Women Leaders to be held in Bujumbura.

The Nigerian First Lady, who joined voices with other First Ladies at the forum, also affirmed that the role of women in nurturing the child is an important one, especially at the early stage in life as this period is a strong determinant of how the child turns out in life.

Busola Kukoyi, Senior Special Assistant to the First Lady on Media, Monday, October 7, 2024, also stated Senator Oluremi Tinubu said: “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.

“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.”

The First Lady also noted in her address: “As First Ladies, we hold a unique position of influence, and with that comes the responsibility to shape policies that impact generations.

“I strongly believe that early childhood development should be at the top of our agenda due to its transformative impact on individuals and society.

“As women leaders and mothers of the nation, we have the ability to advocate for, influence, and lead social change, particularly for women and children.”

She stated: “In my opinion, the first step for early years is to garner more support to compliment Government’s efforts to effectively implement early childhood education policies.

“As Nigeria’s first Lady and lifelong teacher, I recognise that early childhood development is one of the most critical areas where we can make a lasting difference.”

Earlier while declaring the forum open, President Évariste Ndayishimiye of the Republic of Burundi, had noted that the family remains an integral factor in child outcomes in life and urged both parents to take the task more seriously.

President Ndayishimiye also said: “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.”

Other speakers at the Forum including the First Ladies of Slovania, DRC, Gambia, Turkiye, and representatives of the United Nations (UN) and UNICEF harped on school feeding as an incentive to get children to come to school at an early age especially in Africa.

The statement added that the speakers stressed the need to enhance peace in the region to make early child education as a means of a better future for the region.