Shettima’s wife, ex-first ladies, others to chart path on leadership

By Stanley Onyekwere

Hajiya Nana Shettima, wive of Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima will join wives of former presidents, and other strategic leaders in the country to converge on Abuja to deepen discussions on addressing leadership challenges and encourage more women participation in politics.
The two-day event put together by Focus Africa slated for November, 2024 is expected to hold at Shehu Musa Yar’adua centre, which will bring about exhibition, cultural show and award night with the theme, ‘Creating partnership that work in Africa
In a statement issued by the President, Focus Africa Series, Ambassador Succex Ibeh, said the group is a storytelling organization, appointed by the United Nations Gender Priority Strategy unit for Africa, with presence in 29 countries across the continent.
According to the statement, the conference is expected to bring together renowned personalities including present and former first ladies to chart way repositioning issues for a better society.
It noted that the colours of Africa programme would bring former first lady, Hajiya Turai Musa Yar’Adua, wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, wife of the Senate President, Dr. Uloma Akpabio, Amb. J. Sylva among others
It explained that the outfit also hosts periodic conferences, trade exhibitions and targeted advocacy programmes which turns the spotlight on women and the African continent.
He stated that the Abuja Colours of Africa festival will feature many events such as exhibitions of African cultural activities, dances and artifact shows to be followed by the Global Youth Conference and the Decade of Significance Award event on the 2nd of November, 2024.
According to the organisers, discussions at the conference will focus on the wellbeing of men and women in business, leadership and governance, global trends in politics and business, climate change issues, advances in technology, agriculture and manufacturing.
Also, the major objective of the Abuja Colours of Africa Festival, the organisers said, include to raise awareness among participants on the likely positive influence of women on good governance, politics and the rule of law.
They add: “Delegates will also look at how to help Nigeria improve on the ease of doing business, debate conflict resolution strategies within border regions and issues of advocacy and lobbying within and outside government circles, among others.
“The event will also host delegates from around the world as many participants from the USA, United Kingdom, Jamaica, Kenya, Burundi, Sierra Leone, Ghana and many other countries have confirmed their arrival.
“Confirmed special guests, speakers and panellists include Barrister (Mrs) Chioma Uzodinma, wife of Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, Dr. Amb. Foluke Abdulrazaq, Rev. Mrs. Otu Eyoanwan Bassey, Dr. Mrs. Amaba Sam-Ogbuku, Dr. Mrs. Linda Ayade, Dr. Maniya Mohmoud Bamure, Hon Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, Mrs. Yemisi Suswam, Mrs. Bagudu, Mrs. Kafilat Araoye, MD Lotus Bank, and Eric Chinje, ex-Communication Director of the World Bank.”