First ladies at the 79th UN General Assembly
US First Lady Jill Biden hosted a farewell luncheon for First Ladies from around the world, including Nigeria’s Oluremi Tinubu, on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Reflecting on the relationships built during her tenure, Jill noted on Wednesday that this would be her final such gathering as First Lady of the United States.
She expressed her gratitude for their continued partnership in promoting peace and development worldwide, assuring them that their relationship would continue even after she leaves office in January 2025.
“I appreciate you all for always attending this gathering. I have a strong feeling that I will see more of you in the next chapter of my life.
“I wish you all the best as you return to your respective countries, especially those with long journeys ahead,” Jill Biden said in a statement on X by Busola Kukoyi, spokesperson for Tinubu.
These luncheons, customary during the UNGA, serve as platforms for global leaders and their spouses to engage in bilateral talks, strengthen diplomatic ties, and foster partnerships.
Tinubu attended the luncheon held at Pier 57 in New York, marking the conclusion of her engagements at the 79th UNGA session.
PUNCH Online reports that the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) is an annual event where representatives from all 193 UN member states gather to discuss and address global issues.
Stop TB Partnership
On Tuesday, another Kukoyi statement noted that Nigeria’s First Lady reaffirmed her commitment to the fight against Tuberculosis (TB) at a UNGA side event hosted by the Stop TB Partnership.
Highlighting Nigeria’s high TB burden, which claims 125,000 lives annually, she emphasised the need for a unified approach to tackle both TB and Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).
“TB affects all, but the poor are most vulnerable,” she noted.
She called for innovative strategies, increased awareness, and prioritised research to develop new tools and vaccines.
Key stakeholders, including global leaders and health ministers, attended the event, themed “Breaking the Resistance: Fighting AMR and TB Together for a Healthy Future.”
“The event, which had in attendance wives of the Kwara and Imo State Governors, Dr Olufolake Abdulrazaq and Barr. Chioma Uzodimma, Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate and Ministers from other countries,” it read.
