Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has called on citizens to embrace unity across religious and regional lines, stressing that the nation’s future depends on collective action in the face of rising global and domestic challenges.
Mrs. Tinubu made the remarks on Thursday at the Leadership Annual Conference and Award 2025 in Abuja.
The event, themed “Political Stability and Sustainable Development in Africa in an Increasingly Unstable Global System: A Roadmap for Nigeria,” brought together political leaders, journalists, and civil society advocates.
Speaking at the occasion, the First Lady said, “The future of our nation depends on our willingness to work together across cultural and religious differences for the good of all. For a house divided against itself cannot stand.”
She dedicated her award to citizens who exemplify selfless service, particularly women and young people. “I do not take the honour alone.
I dedicate this award to every citizen who believes that selfless service and humanness can truly change lives,” she said.
Mrs. Tinubu also praised the Chairman of Leadership Newspaper, Zainab Nda-Isaiah, for continuing the legacy of the organisation’s late founder, Sam Nda-Isaiah.
“I believe that looking down today, he would be proud of you for keeping the fire of this organisation burning,” she added, commending the paper’s dedication to journalism that informs, inspires, and strengthens democracy.
Earlier, the conference chairman, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah, urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to guarantee free, fair, and credible elections despite controversies surrounding the Electoral Act.
“The rest of Africa can no longer wait until Nigeria has surrendered to one piece of ground,” Bishop Kukah said. “By God, by whatever means, give us clean and credible elections.”
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He described the conference as a platform for honest conversations about Nigeria’s political trajectory, sustainable development, and its role in Africa and the wider world.
In her keynote address, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Amina Mohammed, called on African nations to unite, strengthen institutions, and assert a coherent voice on the global stage.
She emphasised the urgent need for African leaders to address internal challenges amid rising geopolitical tensions and global disruption.
The conference concluded with awards recognising Nigerians and institutions that have demonstrated resilience, innovation, and commitment to service and humanity.