Photo: Nigerian Governor’s Spouses Forum Members
Barely 10 days to the inauguration of new government across some states, the Nigerian Governor’s Spouses Forum on Friday engaged the new members on a marathon lessons aimed at preparing them to function effectively as first ladies in their various states.
The women were drilled on such topics as order of protocols, image management, etiquette, how to maneuver through the intrigues of local politicians, among other things that comes with the office of the first ladies.
Barrister Chioma Uzodinma, the First Lady of Imo State, who spoke on the order of protocols taught them that how to comport themselves in public functions.
Among others, Barrister Uzodinma told them to stand when their husbands, President or Vice President stands to address the audience or deliver a speech, never to engage in laud argument or make loud phone conversations, drink from the bottle while a glass is provided, and not to chew gum in public.
Also, the the former first lady of Ekiti State, and Chair, Board of Trustees NiGWF, Mrs. Bisi Fayemi who made moderated on the topic ‘The Role of a 21st Century First Lady’ took the women on code of conduct and operating principles.
On the topic, panelists including Mrs. Anna Darius Ishaku, first lady of Taraba state, Barrister Chioma Uzodinma, Mrs.Ibijoke Sanwoolu, the first lady of Lagos State, dwelt on such topics as protocol and etiquette, office and image management and etiquette, navigating the terrain and setting priorities (case study -FLAC) among other things.
Mrs. Sanwoolu took time to present lessons on image management, humility, creating positive image, moderate but elegant dressing, punctuality, respect for domestic and other staffs, maintenance of confidentiality, respect for culture of not only the locals but also visitors, careful use of social media, among others.
Mrs. Betty Obaseki, who dealt the topic ‘Achieving Impact’ urged the Governors’ Wives to consider their tenure as a call to duty by God, stressing that they are expected to use your position to effect your neighbours, communities, states and nation.
“If your husband is not allowing you to perform bring it to us we have a forum that can talk to our husbands who in turn would talk to your husband.
“Use the platform to raise awareness and mobilize resources to address issues such as maternal and child health, education, gender based violence and empowerment.
“Deploy expertise and wealth of experience for development of the state” she said.
Mrs. Obaseki told them that in as much as they are at liberty to pursue the individual pet projects, there is need for them to commit to the projects being pursued by NiGWF as a body.
According her, NiGWF was able to achieve much during the last eight years due to its unity and ability to speak with one voice, adding that the forum was able to influence the domestication of Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act to 34 states, up from 12 states.
