Nigeria Governors Spouses Forum

EDO FIRST LADY ADVOCATES INCLUSION, SUPPORT FOR CHILDREN LIVING WITH AUTISM The Edo State Ministry of Health has organised an Autism Awareness Programme, calling for greater public awareness, acceptance, inclusion and sustained support for children living with autism and other developmental challenges. The theme, “Autism and Humanity – Every Life Has Value,” highlights the importance of recognising the dignity, worth and potential of every individual, irrespective of neurological differences. The event was held at the Sir Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub, Benin City, provided a platform for advocacy, awareness creation and engagement on the need to build a more inclusive society. Speaking at the event, Mrs. Anani said the SHINE Agenda of Governor Monday Okpebholo provides a comprehensive development framework encompassing Security, Health, Infrastructure, Natural Resources, Agriculture, Empowerment and Education. Mrs Anani observed that many families raising children with autism and other special needs continue to contend with social stigma, discrimination, financial constraints and inadequate access to appropriate healthcare and educational services. She called for a collective shift from ignorance to knowledge, discrimination to acceptance, and exclusion to inclusion, emphasising that every child deserves quality education, appropriate healthcare, emotional support and an enabling environment to discover and fulfil their potential. Also speaking, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, described Autism Spectrum Disorder as a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how individuals communicate, interact and learn. He noted that many autistic persons and their families continue to experience stigma, discrimination, social isolation and limited access to appropriate healthcare and educational opportunities, stressing the need for increased public awareness, early identification and sustained institutional support. Media Unit Office Of The First Lady Edo State November 5, 2026

Her Excellency, Engr. Tamunominini Makinde, FNSE, today attended the 2026 University of Ibadan Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Fair, which was held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan. Held under the theme, “Scaling Emerging SMEs for Global Impact: From Innovation to Sustainable Growth,” the event brought together entrepreneurs, business leaders, academics and other stakeholders to explore opportunities for business development, innovation and sustainable economic growth. In her message at the event, Her Excellency emphasised the importance of supporting small and medium enterprises as drivers of job creation, economic development, and improved livelihoods. She also highlighted the need for sound business management, innovation, access to finance, and strategic partnerships in building sustainable enterprises. Engr. Tamunominini Makinde encouraged women and young entrepreneurs to remain innovative, determined, and open to opportunities while calling on government, financial institutions, and the private sector to strengthen support for emerging businesses. The event reinforced the importance of collaboration in creating an enabling environment where businesses can thrive, expand, and contribute meaningfully to the economy.

Edo First Lady Tasks Beauty Pageant Contestants on Vision, Purpose and Community Service The Coordinator Office of the First Lady, Edo State, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, has charged contestants of the Face of the World Beauty Pageant to look beyond winning the crown and focus on purpose, personal development, skill acquisition and meaningful social impact. Mrs. Anani gave the charge when the Chairman of Divine Smiles Foundation International and organiser of the pageant, Mr. Eric Odigie, paid her a courtesy visit at Government House, Benin City. She commended the Foundation for integrating charity and community service into the beauty pageant, describing the initiative as a demonstration of commitment to humanity and the welfare of the less privileged. Addressing the contestants, Mrs. Anani emphasised that beauty alone is not enough, urging them to develop a clear vision and purposeful plans that would extend beyond the competition. She advised the contestants to prioritise the impact they intend to make rather than focusing solely on the crown they hope to win. She further encouraged them to identify meaningful projects that reflect contemporary realities, global conversations and their personal interests, and to pursue such initiatives with dedication if crowned winners. Mrs. Anani also highlighted the importance of skill acquisition, entrepreneurship and wealth creation, stressing that success should not be limited to securing white-collar employment, as individuals can create sustainable sources of income through acquired skills and entrepreneurial ventures. Earlier, the Chairman of Divine Smiles Foundation International, Mr. Eric Odigie, commended Mrs. Anani for her commitment to women’s empowerment, humanitarian services and charitable interventions across Edo State. Mr. Odigie noted that the Foundation shares the vision of the Office of the First Lady in promoting humanity, community development and support for vulnerable and less privileged members of society. Media Unit Office Of The First Lady Edo State November 5, 2026.

KADUNA FIRST LADY LEADS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS WALK IN KADUNA, CALLS FOR INCREASED COMMUNITY SENSITISATION Earlier this morning, Her Excellency, Hajiya Hafsat Uba Sani, the First Lady of Kaduna State, led a Breast Cancer Awareness Walk which commenced at Murtala Square, Kaduna, as part of efforts to promote awareness, encourage early detection and strengthen the fight against breast cancer. The walk was attended by the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Her Excellency, Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe; the Deputy Governorship Candidate, Comrade Jerry Adams; the Commissioner for Health, Hajiya Umma K. Ahmed; the Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Ben Kure; and the Commissioner for Youth Development, Barr. Gloria Ibrahim. Also in attendance were other top government officials, students, NYSC corps members, representatives of NGOs, women and youth groups, among other stakeholders. Speaking on the importance of the campaign, Her Excellency called on traditional rulers, community leaders and other relevant stakeholders to intensify awareness and sensitisation efforts across communities, particularly at the grassroots level. She emphasised the importance of educating women on the need for regular breast checks, early detection and seeking timely medical attention. The First Lady also encouraged women living with breast cancer not to lose hope, stressing that a breast cancer diagnosis does not mean the end of life or the abandonment of their dreams. She reassured them that with early detection, appropriate medical care and support, there is hope for treatment, recovery and a meaningful future. She further called for collective commitment from government institutions, healthcare professionals, civil society organisations and communities to ensure that no woman faces the challenges of breast cancer alone. The awareness walk reaffirmed Kaduna State’s commitment to promoting women’s health, encouraging preventive healthcare and building a society where awareness, early diagnosis and access to treatment can help save lives. Office of the First Lady, Kaduna State. 31st October, 2026.

World Cities Day 2026 October 31st Theme- "Regenerating the City: Adequate Housing for All" #worldcitiesday #regeneratingthecity #GovernorsSpouses

Happy Birthday to Her Excellency, Hajiya Lami Ahmadu Fintiri. First Lady of Adamawa State. #happybirthday #HerExcellency #hajiyalamifintiri #GovernorsSpouses

United Nations Day 2026 October 24th Theme- “80 Years of People, Partnership and Progress” #unitednationsday2026 #80yearsofpeoplepartnershipandprogress #undaycelebration #unpartnership #GovernorsSpouses

World Development Information Day 2026 October 24th #worlddevelopmentinformationday2026 #informationsystems #development #GovernorsSpouses

FIRST LADY OF KWARA STATE RECEIVES BRIEF ON TORTURED 12 YEAR OLD GIRL The First Lady of Kwara State, Founder Ajike People Support Center and Chairperson Nigeria Governors Spouses Forum Her Excellency Ambassador Professor Olufolake Abdulrazaq on Saturday 17th of October received in her office a 12 year old girl Misturah Babatunde tortured by her father and stepmother in Ilorin. Misturah Babatunde was brought to the First Lady by Alhaja Idiat Alabi who briefed on the progress made since the First Lady after receiving information about the abuse instructed that the family be found and the child taken into protective custody. Misturah was beaten with an electrical wire and burnt with hot coal pot. The burns on her backside were extremely severe and there is a viral video showing how bad the burns are. She added that three suspects, including the biological father and stepmother of a 12-year-old girl, as instructed have been remanded at the Oke-Kura Correctional Facility in Ilorin over the alleged torture of the minor following a missing ₦100 note. The First Lady once again condemned the abuse against the young girl, assured of continued care and support and sounded a stern warning that any incident of abuse has no place in Kwara. Amb Abdulrazaq commended the swift response of the ministry of women affairs after she alerted the Commissioner of the case, security operatives and community members for their response adding that the perpetrators must face the full wrath of the law.

LADY HELEN ENO OBAREKI CHAMPIONS AFRICAN GIRL-CHILD INVESTMENT AND GRASSR00TS POLICY REFORM AT FLAIR GLOBAL SUMMIT 2026 IN LONDON The Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady of Akwa Ibom State and Chairperson of the Patience Umo Eno Golden Initiative for All (GIFA), Lady Helen Eno Obareki, has called for a radical shift in how global leaders invest in African women and girls. Serving as a panelist at the third plenary on the topic "Education, Skills and the Next Generation", at the prestigious First Ladies of Africa Impact & Resilience (FLAIR) Global Summit 2026, which took place in London from October 5 to 7, Lady Obareki advocated for human capital development, gender equity, and localised policy reform. She argued that Africa's true developmental challenge lies in the systemic limitations placed on young women. "The greatest challenge facing our continent today is the structural barrier imposed on the imagination, capacity, and self-worth of the African girl child," Lady Obareki stated. "We must move past superficial aid. True progress demands that we intentionally re-engineer our investments toward long-term STEM literacy, digital skills, and practical tools that grant women absolute financial self-reliance." Drawing from her extensive experience coordinating grassroots initiatives in Akwa Ibom State through GIFA, Lady Obareki urged global policymakers to transition from abstract frameworks to people-centered governance. She emphasised that international best practices must be intentionally adapted to directly solve the unique, rural, and grassroots challenges of West African communities, particularly regarding access to maternal and child Healthcare and the economic inclusion of vulnerable populations. The summit, brought together African First Ladies, Global lawmakers, and Corporate Executives across iconic venues including the London Stock Exchange Group, LSEG, where delegates to the Summit led by Dr Yvonne Thompson and other co-founders of the (FLAIR) Global Summit, gathered for a high-profile, invitation-only Market Closing Ceremony, and an afternoon of engagement with other leaders and partners. Later, a gala to close the Summit held at the Dorchester in London, where Lady Helen Eno Obareki received the "FLAIR Award for services to Women and Girls", from the Organisers of the First Ladies of Africa Impact and Resilience (FLAIR) Global Summit, alongside other recipients, including Women Leaders, Changemakers and advocates. Media Unit Office of the First Lady, AKS October 20, 2026.

Happy Birthday to Her Excellency Hajiya Fatima Mohammed Bago. First Lady of Niger State

Senator Oluremi Tinubu Commissions 50 CNG Buses, Launches Women’s Economic Empowerment Programme in Edo

Oluremi Tinubu inaugurates 50 CNG buses, launches economic empowerment in Edo The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, on Thursday in Benin inaugurated 50 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses and launched a N1 billion economic empowerment programme for 5,000 beneficiaries in Edo. The First Lady, who performed the inauguration and launched the empowerment programme, said both initiatives of Gov. Monday Okpebholo demonstrated his love for the people of Edo. Tinubu said the initiatives would improve transportation, strengthen small businesses and promote economic opportunities for women, youths and vulnerable groups in the state. “I am glad to be in Edo today after quite a long time for the commissioning of 50 compressed natural gas buses for the benefit of the people,” she said. She commended the Edo Government for introducing the initiatives, describing them as important steps towards improving livelihoods and supporting economic growth. She said the state government was empowering 5,000 beneficiaries with N200,000 each to strengthen their livelihoods, support small businesses and promote financial independence. “I pray that the monies received will prosper in your hands and grow your businesses,” she said. She inaugurated the 50 CNG buses and formally launched the N1 billion economic empowerment programme for the beneficiaries. Earlier, Gov. Monday Okpebholo welcomed the First Lady, describing her visit as a demonstration of care, compassion and commitment to the welfare of the people. “Your visit is not just a ceremonial engagement. It is a demonstration of care, compassion and our commitment to the growth of our people,” he said. Okpebholo said the initiatives addressed two critical needs of the people: affordable transportation and economic empowerment, particularly for women and small-business operators. Okpebholo also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his leadership and support, pledging continued loyalty to the President and the All Progressives Congress (APC). He said his administration remained committed to building an Edo where good governance, economic opportunities and development would reach every community.

AMBASSADOR ABDULRAZAQ URGES CONTENT CREATORS TO PRIORITISE SOCIAL IMPACT, HIGHLIGHTS KWARA’S SUPPORT FOR CREATIVE ECONOMY The First Lady of Kwara State, Founder of Ajike People Support Centre and Chairperson, Nigeria Governors Spouses Forum Her Excellency Ambassador Professor Olufolake Abdulrazaq, has urged digital content creators to deploy their platforms towards promoting social responsibility, entrepreneurship, inclusion and sustainable development. Ambassador Abdulrazaq made the call on Saturday, October 17, 2026, while delivering a keynote address at the maiden Kwara Creators Summit convened by Miss Sharon David Adeoye which held at the Ilorin Innovation Hub, Ilorin, where she emphasised the growing importance of the creative industry in economic development, youth empowerment and cultural promotion. Amb Abdulrazaq noted that digital creators have become influential voices in shaping public opinion, building communities, promoting businesses and creating opportunities, stressing that their success should be measured not merely by audience size or online visibility but by the positive impact of their work on society. She highlighted the investments of the administration of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq in creating an enabling environment for young people and practitioners in the creative industry and encouraged stakeholders to strengthen the connections between talent, training, infrastructure, finance and market opportunities to ensure that the state's creative potential translates into economic growth and employment. Ambassador Abdulrazaq however, reaffirmed her commitment, through her office and the Ajike People Support Centre, to initiatives that promote digital inclusion, entrepreneurship, empowerment and economic participation for women and young people while commending the conveners of the summit for the initiative. The maiden edition of Kwara Creators summit featured the MD of the Innovation Hub Mr Temi Kolawole, goodwill messages, panel sessions and was supported by the Kwara State Government.

WORLD MENOPAUSE DAY 2026 OFTOBER 18TH THEME- "Chronic Pain at Midlife" #worldmenopauseday2026 #menopausewellness #chronicpainatmidlife #menopausecare #GovernorsSpouses