First Lady Oluremi Tinubu urges youth to embrace creativity

By Kunle Sanni

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has called on Nigerian youth to channel their focus into positive and creative endeavors.

Speaking during a visit to the Yunus Emre Institute in Maitama, Abuja, on Tuesday, she encouraged young people to believe in their dreams and pursue them with determination.

Invited by Emine Erdoğan, the First Lady of Turkey, Mrs. Tinubu toured the institute, which was established by the Turkish Government to foster creative arts and cultural exchange between Nigeria and Turkey.

“This center provides great opportunities for you to live your dreams as artists. You are not only learning about Turkey but also actualizing your dreams,” she said. “Believe in what you are doing and as long as you set your mind to it, you will succeed. Dream big but do not despise the days of humble beginnings.”

During her visit, the First Lady viewed an exhibition of paintings by female Nigerian artists, praising their creativity and encouraging them to infuse more positivity into their works. She also visited a classroom where children from an orphanage were receiving formal education through a program supported by the Turkish Embassy in Nigeria.

“I see this as a step towards granting our children scholarships, similar to what we have with the Republic of Belarus. Turkish citizens here should also learn some of our languages,” she remarked.

Mrs. Tinubu expressed her gratitude to First Lady Emine Erdoğan for her contributions to Africa and for inviting her to visit the center. She also thanked her for attending the recent OIC High-Level Seminar on Cancer Awareness hosted by Nigeria.

“I appreciate the First Lady for all the work she is doing for Africa and for recognizing Africa as the rising sun and light,” she said.

The Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Hidayet Bayraktar, welcomed the First Lady and highlighted the growing cultural and educational ties between the two nations.

“Our relations have been growing, especially in economic issues. We have very good political relations as well. One of the aspects of these relations is the cultural exchange between our countries. The Nigerian students learning Turkish here will have opportunities to work in Turkish companies, both in Nigeria and in Turkey,” he said.

The visit concluded with a shared optimism for a strengthened relationship between Nigeria and Turkey, emphasizing the importance of cultural and educational collaboration.