Wife of the President, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, has advised women to emulate the legacies of late Hajiya Lami Lau, the National President, National Council of Women Societies (NCWS).
Tinubu, who is also the Grand Patron of NCWS said this in her letter of tribute at the seven-day Fidau prayer of the late NCWS president on Tuesday in Abuja.
Represented by the wife of the Vice-President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, Tinubu said the death of the NCWS president was not only a great loss to her family and friends, but to the entire community of women.
She said the late NCWS president had contributed her quota towards impacting, promoting, protecting and projecting the image of women across the nation.
‘Late Lau had done her part, as a Muslim, I know that there is time for everything, and every living soul must taste death.
‘I would like to extend our sincere condolences to all the Nigerian women and to the immediate families,’ she said.
Earlier, the first National Vice-President of NCWS, Mrs Geraldine Etuk, described lat
e Lau as hope to women and a guardian for the voiceless.
Etuk said Lau would always be in her heart and consciousness, adding that her memories would remain forever.
According to her, Lau was a leader whose presence was more than just commanding; it was transformative.
‘She was a beacon of hope to women, a guardian for the voiceless and a champion for all in need of her touch.
‘Her unwavering dedication to the cause of women’s rights and social justice is likened to a steady flame in a darkened world,’ she said.
See also Lack of data affecting Nigeria’s growth – Tinubu
Etuk said Lau would always confront injustice fearlessly and stand as a shield for those who couldn’t fend for themselves.
‘Lau led the Nigerian women with empathy and understanding. She listened to the unheard, lifted the downtrodden and inspired countless souls to believe in a brighter tomorrow.
‘To me, she wasn’t just the president of NCWS, she was a friend – a confidante in times of uncertainty and a mentor in moments of doubt.
‘To
gether, we weathered storms and celebrated victories. The memories we shared, the laughter we echoed and the tears we shed will forever be etched in my heart,’ she added.
Etuk, while giving her farewell to her dear friend, mentor and leader said Lau’s absence leaves a void that could never be filled.
She said Lau’s legacy would endure, inspiring generations to come.
‘Rest in peace, our rare gem, knowing that your light would forever illuminate our path,’ she said.
Also speaking, the Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, said the late Lau was an excellent leader.
She urged women to emulate the legacy of Lau to better the lives of Nigeria women.
‘With a heavy heart, I am saying farewell to our mother and sister, I plead with everyone, let us emulate the good character of late Lau and drop those you don’t like,’ she said.
Earlier, the former Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Pauline Tallen, said the death of Lau was a painful moment for all Nigerian women.
Tallen said this was a painful and t
rying moment for NCWS since it was the first time NCWS was losing a national president since its inception in 1958.
See also China wants U.S. to bring relations ‘back on the right track’
‘Standing here to pay tribute to this great woman, Lau was a very committed president, full of zeal and committed to the betterment of the Nigeria women, we will surely miss her,’ she said.
Others at the event who paid tribute to the late Lau were the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha, former NCWS National Presidents, NCWS national officers, NCWS State Presidents and a lot of affiliates.
Source: News Agency of Nigeria