FIRST LADY OR SECOND LADY? BY IDOWU OMISORE

It amuses me at times when I hear the term 'First Lady'. I seem to catch a glimpse of a queue of women with the tallest woman at the forefront. It suggests that every other woman lines up after her, regardless of their accomplishments or contributions toward the nation's progress. But is this assumption correct? Does a woman qualify to be given the 'first' position just because she is married to the highest political leader in the land? What if a woman emerges the leader? Will her husband become First Gentleman? I wish First Ladies (in Third World countries) have a First World mindset. These are just my weird musings. According to the Wikipedia, “the term 'lady' originates in England. The title "First Lady" seems to have originated in the United States, where one of the earliest references was applied to Martha Washington. In an 1843 newspaper article that appeared in the Boston Courier, the author, "Mrs. Sigourney," discussing how Mrs. Washington had not changed even after her husband George became president, wrote that "The first lady of the nation still preserved the habits of early life. Indulging in no indolence, she left the pillow at dawn, and after breakfast, retired to her chamber for an hour for the study of the scriptures and devotion" ("Martha Washington," Boston Courier, 12 June 1843, p. 4)." A First Lady, as we understand, in the Nigerian context is the wife to the man holding the highest political position in a defined geographical setting. Not just the President's wife, but also the wives of state governors and local government chairmen. Of course, there's a First Lady for every senatorial district. The 'First Lady' position has snowballed into a momentous phenomenon as it seeks more socio-political relevance. This is apart from the fact that the 'typical or an average' Nigerian is title-conscious and position-seeking. Am sure you are not a 'typical or average Nigerian'. I honestly believe every woman can be a First Lady, whether single or married. Being first requires a deep sense of responsibility and readiness to make positive impacts. It starts from leading oneself before leading others. For the most part, women are natural leaders and administrators because of their power of influence and capacity for compassion. Women have the capability to build a home. With peaceful homes, we will have a peaceful nation. Unfortunately today, there are few women in the boardrooms or in top echelons of our country's political leadership. Women have tremendous power of influence, but it needs to be harnessed. Every woman who embraces personal development in all ramifications in order to increase her productivity and unleash her potentials is a First Lady in my estimation. Such a woman will influence her husband, children, her colleagues, and friends and family positively and powerfully. My point is you do not need to become a wife to any political head to become a First Lady. I’ve heard clerics pray or prophesy that sisters get married to a prominent political personality and become a First Lady. My brand of First Lady ( married to a political head) influences, inspires and introduces real, result-oriented programmes that will, for example, move a Third World country into the First World! We have such women making waves across the world, even in history. One woman that readily comes to my mind is Mother Theresa, who decided never to marry (let alone marry a President or Head of State) and devoted her entire life to caring for the deprived lot of the society. Yet, in 1979, she was honored with the Nobel Peace Prize. She is known to the world for her humanitarian approach towards society. She rose beyond prominence to become a legend of all times. Linda Ikeji is a successful Nigerian blogger. I just read of Linda Ikeji’s newly acquired automobile worth 8 million naira. Linda Ikeji has made a fortune out of her blog. According to her, she wants to prove to every young girl that they do not have to be a prostitute to prosper in life. She found her passion in blogging. Aside from keeping her blog visitors entertained and informed, she has also touched the lives of disadvantaged people by bringing their cases to the notice of the public, who in turn assist the helpless. She got a well deserving award last year for being a young person making impact. As a woman, whether single, married, divorced or widowed, you too can make things happen. You can actualize your dreams and become a blessing to the whole world. It is not too late to pursue your visions of greatness. Take courage from Linda Ikeji’s words, while explaining why she lavished the pictures of her two rides, the 2011 Infiniti FX 35 and my 2008 Toyota Camry: I put this up for two reasons: 1. To show off of course...why else? Lol And 2, to encourage other ladies out there to keep working hard and keep believing in themselves. You don't need any aristo to give you anything...any woman with will and drive can give herself anything she wants! By this time two years ago, I didn't have much...but I never stopped believing in myself and I never stopped working hard. I can't even begin to count how many businesses I put my hands into before one paid off - Blogging! I told myself that I will make it in this life one day as my own woman and on my own terms that no man will ever take away my dignity...and I did it. So can you! Yes, you! You have the power! And with God on your side, you are unstoppable! This is probably a good time to say this... I'm starting a youth empowerment programme called I'd rather be SELF MADE, but I will tell y'all more about it later. Lastly, if you've ever opened this blog to read its content, thank you! You can't begin to imagine how much you've changed my life! Kisses!!! Am sure you know what issues I’ve discussed do not pertain to the women folk alone. Both men and women should work at becoming a 'First', an asset to themselves, to their families, to the nation and the world. Cheers! IDOWU OMISORE Speaker. Author. Talent Coach. Youth Consultant. Order for Idowu Omisore’s bestsellers; Invest Your Youthful Years, Dream and Achieve Greatness (with the Foreword was written by Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola [SAN]). Call now to book Idowu Omisore for your coming programs. He’s a fantastic Spirit-filled speaking sensation! +234 805 937 1461, +234 704 500 8591 idgreatness1210@gmail.com http://www.idgreatness.com http://www.idowuomisore.blogspot.com http://www.idowuomisore.wordpress.com Follow Idowu Omisore on Twitter @IDGreatness PIN: 25B64154