Jill Biden, US First Lady, hosted a goodbye 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 bonds formed during her tenure, Jill said on Wednesday that this would be her final such meeting as First Lady of the United States.
She thanked them for their continuous commitment in advancing global peace and development, and assured them that their relationship will continue even when 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, which are common during the UNGA, provide an opportunity for global leaders and their spouses to engage in bilateral discussions, improve diplomatic ties, and foster partnerships.
Tinubu attended the luncheon at Pier 57 in New York, which marked the completion of her obligations at the 79th UNGA session.
According to sources, the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) is an annual event that brings together delegates from all 193 UN member nations to discuss and address global issues.
Stop TB Partnership
On Tuesday, another Kukoyi statement stated that Nigeria’s First Lady reaffirmed her commitment to the fight against tuberculosis (TB) at a UNGA side event held by the Stop TB Partnership.
She underlined the importance of a united approach to combating both TB and Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), citing Nigeria’s high TB burden of 125,000 deaths per year.
“TB affects all, but the poor are most vulnerable,” she noted.
She advocated for novel approaches, improved awareness, and prioritised research into new instruments and vaccinations.
Key stakeholders, including global leaders and health ministers, attended the event titled “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,” reads the document.
