First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has assured that the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution by the National Assembly will guarantee a defined role for traditional rulers in nation building.

Speaking on Friday during an interactive session with traditional and religious leaders in Lagos, Mrs Tinubu said the review provides a unique opportunity to resolve the long-debated issue of constitutional recognition for monarchs, who she described as “custodians of tradition and culture” with influence closest to the grassroots.

According to a statement by her media aide, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady also urged traditional rulers and religious leaders to step up advocacy on Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS testing, HPV vaccination for girls, and other public health campaigns. She further introduced them to the upcoming Green Nigeria Challenge, organised under her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), and the Flow With Confidence programme, which will provide adolescent girls in rural areas with a year’s supply of disposable sanitary towels to prevent them from missing school during their menstrual cycle.

Earlier, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, praised Mrs Tinubu for her various RHI programmes across agriculture, health, education, and social investment, noting her empowerment of women and youths through the Young Farmers Club, scholarships for girls, and advocacy against diseases like Tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and cervical cancer.

Speaking on behalf of traditional rulers, the Ayangburen of Ikorodu and Vice Chairman of the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs, Oba Kabiru Shotobi, appealed to the First Lady to also promote alternative schools for boys alongside her support for girls’ education.

Mrs Tinubu’s two-day visit continues on Saturday with the RHI/SDG Women Empowerment Programme for 500 women in Lagos and the inauguration of the Lagos State Leather Hub.

Deji Elumoye

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