U.S. First Lady Jill Biden hosted a farewell luncheon for First Ladies from around the globe, including Nigeria’s Oluremi Tinubu, during the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Reflecting on the relationships she has built throughout her time in office, Jill mentioned on Wednesday that this would be her last such gathering as First Lady. She expressed gratitude for the ongoing collaboration in promoting peace and development worldwide, assuring attendees that their connections would persist even after she leaves office in January 2025.
“I appreciate you all for consistently attending this gathering. I have a strong feeling that I will see more of you in the next chapter of my life,” Jill Biden stated. “I wish you all the best as you return to your respective countries, especially those facing long journeys ahead,” she added in a statement on X by Busola Kukoyi, spokesperson for Tinubu.
These luncheons, which are a tradition during the UNGA, serve as opportunities for global leaders and their spouses to engage in bilateral discussions, strengthen diplomatic relations, and foster partnerships.
Tinubu attended the luncheon at Pier 57 in New York, concluding her engagements at the 79th UNGA session. Reports indicate that the UNGA is an annual event where representatives from all 193 member states convene to address pressing global issues.
Stop TB Partnership
On Tuesday, another statement from Kukoyi revealed that Nigeria’s First Lady reaffirmed her commitment to combating Tuberculosis (TB) during a side event at the UNGA hosted by the Stop TB Partnership.
Addressing Nigeria’s significant TB burden, which results in 125,000 deaths each year, she underscored the necessity of a unified approach to tackle both TB and Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).
“TB affects everyone, but the poor are the most vulnerable,” she emphasized.
She called for innovative strategies, heightened awareness, and prioritized research to develop new tools and vaccines. The event, themed “Breaking the Resistance: Fighting AMR and TB Together for a Healthy Future,” was attended by key stakeholders, including global leaders and health ministers.
The event also featured the wives of Kwara and Imo State Governors, Dr. Olufolake Abdulrazaq and Barr. Chioma Uzodimma, as well as Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, along with ministers from various countries.
