Dr Queen Blessing Itua Honors the Firstlady of Nigeria with 3 awards
1. The Resolution from Georgia Senator Steve Henson, District 41.
2. The Honorary Citizen of Georgia Award
3. The Distinguished Global Award for Excellence in Women Empowerment and Gender Development by the Global Empowerment Movement Corporation, USA
Nigeria’s first lady, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, has been conferred with Distinguished Global Award for Excellence in Women Empowerment and Gender Development by Global Empowerment Movement Corporation, U.S.
Mrs. Buhari was also conferred with the Honorary Citizen of Georgia Award from the State of Georgia.
She received the awards at the Nigeria House in New York for her efforts at fighting gender-based victimisation, human trafficking and for uplifting the women in Nigeria.
Founder and President of the organisation, Dr Blessing Itua, said the organisation particularly commended Mrs Buhari for advancing the causes of women and children in Nigeria through her pet project: ‘Future Assured’.
“Mrs Aisha Buhari, through her various programmes on women, young girls and children support, has assisted, integrated and provided hope to numerous victims of some of the societal ills in Nigeria, including human trafficking.
“She has also been a strong advocate against victimisation, inhumanity, including the rape of minors.
“Within this context, she has complimented government’s various initiatives by teaming up with relevant stakeholders in Nigeria and beyond to address some feminine challenges in the country,” Itua said.
Receiving the awards, the wife of the president thanked the organisation for considering her worthy of recognition for the award on fighting gender-based victimisation and uplifting womenfolk in Nigeria through the Future Assured programme.
“My driving force has been that of commitment and passion in this regard. Women have been at the receiving end of conflict, instances of abuse and victimisation all over the globe.
“I make it my responsibility to do the very best I can to give hope to those affected and to discourage other cases from happening in Nigeria.
“As you are all aware, my Future Assured initiative executes a number of programmes to uplift the status of women through health advocacy and support economic and educational empowerment, protection against abuse and encouraging political involvement among the women.
“Our hope is that women will become more aware of the opportunities open to them to live better lives while being confident of the society’s protection,” Buhari said.
She dedicated the award to “all struggling women and hope that the award will ginger more action in the area of protection against gender bias and victimisation and uplifting the lives of women all over the world.”
Buhari said that the First Lady of The Gambia had adopted the Future Assured to be replicated in her country.
The Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, testified about the work the Future Assured had been doing, especially in the north east, and congratulated the wife of the president for the recognition.
Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the UN, Prof. Tijjani Bande, while commenting on the menace of human trafficking, said “Nigerians are people who admit to our problems and we are starting to address them’’.
“Nigeria has what it takes to do what is right and to take its rightful place among the comity of nations. “In the U.S., great things are happening though Nigerians; Nigerians are doing great works here. There are things they are not happy about just like those at home in Nigeria.
“But we are doing everything possible to address them. This will involve international cooperation,” the envoy said.
He commended the wife of the president for coming to the Nigeria House, adding “this is Nigeria House and we are very happy to do what is right here”.
The occasion was attended by the First Ladies of The Gambia, Niger, wives of governors, heads of agencies and associates of the wife of the president, among others.
WIFE OF THE PRESIDENT RECEIVES AWARD 10; Wife of the President Dr (Mrs) Aisha Muhammadu Buhari,addresses the participants during the award recognizing her outstanding public service and human development especially Women and Children held at the Nigerian mission alongside the UNGA73 New York. Sept 27, 2018,
WIFE OF THE PRESIDENT RECEIVES AWARD 1; Wife of the President Dr (Mrs) Aisha Muhammadu Buhari addresses the participats during the award recognizing her outstanding public service and human development especially Women and Children held at the Nigerian mission alongside the UNGA73 New York. Sept 27, 2018,WIFE OF THE PRESIDENT RECEIVES AWARD 2B. ; R-L; Wife of the President Dr (Mrs) Aisha Muhammadu Buhari being presentated with Award by the Award Presenter, H.E Dr Queen Blessing Itua during the award recognizing her outstanding public service and human development especially Women and Children held at the Nigerian mission alongside the UNGA73 New York. Sept 27, 2018,WIFE OF THE PRESIDENT RECEIVES AWARD 2B. ; R-L; Wife of the President Dr (Mrs) Aisha Muhammadu Buhari being presentated with Award by the Award Presenter, H.E Dr Queen Blessing Itua during the award recognizing her outstanding public service and human development especially Women and Children held at the Nigerian mission alongside the UNGA73 New York. Sept 27, 2018,WIFE OF THE PRESIDENT RECEIVES AWARD 3A. ; R-L; Wife of President Burkina Faso Madame Adjoari Sika Kabore, Wife of the President Dr (Mrs) Aisha Muhammadu Buhari, wife of The Gambia Madame Adjoari Sika Sika Kabre, Wife of the President of Niger, H.E. Aissatta Issoufou during the award recognizing her outstanding public service and human development especially Women and Children held at the Nigerian mission alongside the UNGA73 New York. Sept 27, 2018,WIFE OF THE PRESIDENT RECEIVES AWARD 3&3B. ; R-L; Wife of President Burkina Faso Madame Adjoari Sika Kabore, Wife of the President Dr (Mrs) Aisha Muhammadu Buhari, wife of The Gambia Madame Adjoari Sika Sika Kabre, Wife of the President of Niger, H.E. Aissatta Issoufou and the Award Presenter, H.E Dr Queen Blessing Itua during the award recognizing her outstanding public service and human development especially Women and Children held at the Nigerian mission alongside the UNGA73 New York. Sept 27, 2018, 2018,WIFE OF THE PRESIDENT RECEIVES AWARD 4. ; Wife of the President Dr (Mrs) Aisha Muhammadu Buhari being congratulated by two African first Ladies, wife of The Gambia Madame Adjoari Sol Sika Kabre, Wife of the President of Niger H.E Aissatta Issoufou and Wife Nassarawa State Governor Hajiya Mairo AlMakura during the award recognizing her outstanding human development especially Women and Children held at the Nigerian mission alongside the UNGA73 New York. Sept 27, 2018WIFE OF THE PRESIDENT RECEIVES AWARD 8. ; Wife of the President Dr (Mrs) Aisha Muhammadu Buhari being congratulated by NSA Major General Babagana Mugonu, Minister of Health Pro Isaac Adewo, Minister of State Environment, Alhaji Ibrahim Jibrin and Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Muhammad Babandede and others during the award recognizing her outstanding public service and human development especially Women and Children held at the Nigerian mission alongside the UNGA73 New York. Sept 27, 2018,WIFE OF THE PRESIDENT RECEIVES AWARD 8. ; Wife of the President Dr (Mrs) Aisha Muhammadu Buhari being congratulated by two African first Ladies, wife of The Gambia Madme Adjoari Sol Sika Kabre and President of Burkina Faso H.E Madame Adjoari Sika Kabore during the award recognizing her outstanding public service and human development especially Women and Children held at the Nigerian mission alongside the UNGA73 New York. Sept 27, 2018,WIFE OF THE PRESIDENT RECEIVES AWARD 9; cross section of Head of senior government during the award recognizing her outstanding public service and human development especially Women and Children held at the Nigerian mission alongside the UNGA73 New York. Sept 27, 2018,WIFE OF THE PRESIDENT RECEIVES AWARD 10; Wife of the President Dr (Mrs) Aisha Muhammadu Buhari,addresses the participants during the award recognizing her outstanding public service and human development especially Women and Children held at the Nigerian mission alongside the UNGA73 New York. Sept 27, 2018,WIFE OF THE PRESIDENT RECEIVES AWARD 12. R-L; Wife of the President Dr (Mrs) Aisha Muhammadu Buhari,(2nd) Right, Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the United Nations; Tijjani Muhammad Bande, First Lady of the Gambia, H.E Fatumatad Ba-Barrow and Wife of Bukina Faso President, Madame Adjoari Sika Kabore during the award recognizing her outstanding public service and human development especially Women and Children held at the Nigerian mission alongside the UNGA73 New York. Sept 27, 2018,WIFE OF THE PRESIDENT RECEIVES AWARD 17. Wife of the President Dr (Mrs) Aisha Muhammadu Buhari (M) flanked by the National Security Adviser to the President, Major General Babagana Mongonu and his wife Hafisa after the award recognizing her outstanding public service and human development especially Women and Children held at the Nigerian mission alongside the UNGA73 New York. Sept 27, 2018,WIFE OF THE PRESIDENT RECEIVES AWARD Wife of the President Dr Mrs Aisha Muhammadu Buhari display one of the award recognizing her outstanding public service and human development especially Women and Children held at the Nigerian mission alongside the UNGA73 New York. Sept 27, 2018,
Dr. Queen Blessing Itua alongside Sen. James co-hosted the African-Diaspora at the Capitol.
Requesting the economic department to support her and her community economic empowerment efforts, Blessing hosted the much-awaited event tagged; ‘A Taste Of Africa In The Diaspora: Bridging The Gap.
Blessing’s platforms, Global Empowerment Movement Corp (501c3 Status) and Blessings of Africa Empowerment Foundation (African Empowerment Foundation), also played symbolic roles to actualize the event.
The African Diaspora Day, which was held on Friday, March 23, had the support of the Georgia Legislators, members of the Black Caucus, Lieutenant Governor, and others.
While speaking of the event, Blessing says it is her earnest desire to unite Africans in the Diaspora, African Americans, and other African Descendants as well as to connect them to join in rebuilding Africa.
Blessing who authored Georgia Senate Resolution 381, adds that it is her hope that “we can continue to bridge the Gap and to develop international partnerships which support the emergence of Africa’s private sector, promote direct foreign investment in Africa, and leverage the imbalances in Africa’s growing economy.”
Dr. Queen Blessing Itua, a recipient of former President Barack Obama Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Service, takes her developmental advocate to the global stage as she launches her newest empowerment book: “We Are The Blessings of Africa” during the UN Unity in Diversity Event at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
The event held on Sunday, March 11, tagged ‘An evening of Art & Hope with Nigerian Women’ featured excerpts from Dr. Blessing’s book.
In her new book, Dr. Blessing is advocating for women empowerments, most especially among the Blacks.
Excerpts from the book read – “Empower a woman and you empower the family, Community, City, Country, and Continent. Women have to see ourselves as part of the solution, not just as women reserved for sex or for the kitchen. Africa is a diverse continent, rich with different countries and different cultures and natural resources.”
The award-winning Nigerian American Gender and Development Advocate, adds that if women understand that they have a critical role to play, they do not see themselves as just wives or women at home, they also raise up into mental engagement with the men.
Having reiterated her commitment to give voice to women who cannot speak about social ills, particularly rural women, Dr. Blessing necessitates the need not to leave the youths behind, as her book quotes her saying “the youth you empower today will be the responsible leader of tomorrow who can take care of you at your old age.”
Barely four days after launching her book at UN, Dr. Blessing premiered her latest film, Mrs. Adams.
US based Gender and Development advocate and lifestyle empowerment motivator, Dr Queen Blessing Itua is definitely a woman of many sides. However, her major concern is to bring about a sustainable development to Africa especially Nigeria through her NGO, Blessings of Africa and Empowerment Foundation.
In this interview with Glamtush, the President Obama Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, inspirational author and speaker talks about her childhood, career and bringing a change in Nigeria amongst others.
Who Queen Blessing Itua is
I’m Dr. Queen Blessing Itua and I’m based in the United States. I’m very passionate about so many different things. I’m privileged to have been honoured by the former president of the United States, President Barack Obama. I have received different awards but that award to me is the highest that any civilian can receive in the Unites States. After I was honoured, anytime I wear my pin or take the letter he wrote with all of those beautiful things in it, what I see is all the efforts I have put in serving the people passionately. Also, I received award from Georgia State, my state from the Secretary of State and many others.
Bringing a change to Africa especially my Nigeria
Having received different awards for my humanitarian works and services, there was actually no way, I couldn’t think about home. Home is where the heart is. I have an NGO in America called Global Empowerment Movement (501c3) and for the Africans I have Blessings of Africa Empowerment Foundation. The reason for that is because it takes us Nigerians to be the ones to actually spearhead this development and that is because our motherland is beautiful, rich and we are blessed.
So, I was looking for different ways to actually put this vision God has given to me into actions, so I started writing books. But I realised that in other for me to actually have a significant impact in my motherland. It’s not just about the book but the action. So, I had to put my books on hold a little bit so that I can actually do the work.
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has expressed readiness to partner with Edo indigenes in the diaspora to engender social economic growth, especially in empowering women and girls in the state.
Obaseki disclosed this when he hosted Ms. Blessing Itua, a United States of America-based Edo indigene and Gender and Development Advocate/Founder, Blessing of Africa Empowerment, who was on a courtesy visit to the governor, at the Government House, Benin City.
Governor Obaseki said the state government is ready to partner with the diaspora community, in empowering women to open up the space for women participation in efforts to transform the state into an economic hub.
Obaseki said, “the state government will take advantage of the human resources in the diaspora community to promote socio-economic growth and development, and to make life better for Edo people.”
He said the state is not only blessed with natural resources but with human resources, noting, “This administration is designing a development roadmap that will enable the state partner investors, including the indigenes of the state who are in the diaspora, in specific areas of need, especially women empowerment.”
Obaseki said, “As a state, our destiny is in our hands and we will ensure that we utilise the opportunity to create wealth and prosperity for the people. The roadmap for development being designed will enable the state partner with the diaspora community. This will enable the indigenes of the state who are based abroad to come and undertake projects. We are creating the right environment for things to work as we also plan to generate correct information and data for effective planning.”
The governor commended Ms Itua, a recipient of the President Barack Obama Award of Service, for her determination in undertaking projects that have positively impacted lives.
Ms. Blessing Itua, earlier, said she was in the state to support the laudable achievements of the governor and seek areas of collaboration with the state government on women empowerment, human trafficking, training, medical tourism and aviation.
The wife of the President, Mrs Aisha Buhari, has assured a United States’ based NGO of her readiness to collaborate in providing humanitarian services to women, children and other less privileged in the country.
Mrs Buhari gave the assurance when a delegation from the NGO called: “Our Collective Future” led by its leader Dr Leong Ying, paid her a courtesy visit on Thursday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The international group, who was the first to visit the wife of the President in 2018, had its membership cut across Middle-East, Asia and Africa.
Buhari, who was represented at the event by the Senior Special Adviser to the President, Dr Hajo Sani, said the vision of the visiting team was similar to the mission and vision of her NGO: ‘the Future Assured’.
She also informed the group of her passion to continue in championing the course of women and children, especially the girl-child education, supporting maternal and child health as well as providing skills acquisition for youths through her Future Assured initiative.
According to her, since the inception of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration in 2015, the wife of the President has provided relief materials and medical outreach to the victims of insurgency at various Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps.
According to the wife of the President, the strategy of the group fits into the vision of our Future Assured initiative.
“We will also exchange ideas on where we can collaborate to provide hygiene, clean water for rural communities as well as support the physical well-being of women and children in Nigeria,” she said.
Buhari, therefore, expressed her readiness to cooperate with the group in the areas of the provision of clean water to the less privileged families in Nigeria.
Responding on behalf of his team, the leader of the delegation and President of KLYTEC, a technology and network service provider, Dr Leong Ying, said they were in the State House to appreciate the good work of Mrs Buhari.
Leong said that the group was seeking for opportunity to provide humanitarian support to the less privileged in Nigeria.
Also speaking, a member of the delegation, Dr Blessing Itua, expressed the desire of the group to participate in Mrs Buhari’s ongoing efforts towards providing quality drinking water to rural communities in the country.
While fielding questions from State House, Itau expressed optimism that their aim of providing water to rural communities will be realized, despite the huge amount of money involved in the execution of such project.
“We understand that every project requires money, but with our collective effort we can do it,” she said.
Three Nigerian women will spotlight themes such as human trafficking, suicide bombing, and sexism and sexual harassment at the United Nations, showing the strength of women as agents of change in African societies often dominated by men.
“Unity in Diversity: An Evening of Art and Hope with Nigerian Women” will feature excerpts from Ms. Itua’s book “We Are the Blessings of Africa,” as well as monologues from Ifeoma Fafunwa’s HEAR WORD! and Nadine Ibrahim’s films “Tolu” and “Through Her Eyes.”
The event is organized by UN Women, the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Nigerian Mission to the UN, with other partners.
“Africa is a diverse continent, rich with different countries and different cultures and natural resources. Africa has the talent – men and women,” said Ms. Itua. Men and women alike, she said, must understand that women can be powerful agents of development.
“If women understand that they have a critical role to play, they do not see themselves as just wives or women at home, they also raise up into mental engagement with the men, Ms. Itua said, “and hopefully strategize about developing our Mother Land.”
Born in Nigeria and living in the United States, Ms. Itua said she wants to create awareness and give voice to women who do not have a platform to speak out about social ills, particularly rural women.
Her latest film, Mrs. Adams, – which will premiere during the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) next week – follows human trafficking routes in Nigeria and Europe. It is meant to be a statement not just about brutalization of women and sexual violence, but also highlight the economic reasons that people choose to migrate in the first place. It also hopes to raise awareness about the exploitative work practices, forced labour and smuggling that are rife in human trafficking.
The issue is personal, Ms. Itua said. She hails from Edo state, which recently inaugurated a migration resource centre, and which has been cast in the spotlight after reports of Nigerians from that area being sold in modern slave markets in Libya.
“As an African woman, I believe that my goal is to work with other women in creating awareness. Together we are stronger. Working together to be stronger to change the narrative coming out of Africa,” Ms. Itua said.
She will be joined on Sunday by 24-year-old Nadine Ibrahim, whose film Through Her Eyes follows the internal struggle of a 12-year-old female suicide bomber in northern Nigeria.
