Nigeria’s First Lady, Mrs Aisha Buhari, has called on Ambassadors of countries represented in Nigeria to do more, to ensure women’s participation in politics.
According to her, this has become necessary because of the importance of women’s empowerment to national development.
The wife of the President also appealed to the diplomats to provide more support to the wives of African leaders, to enable them to build bridges and wage peace rather than war.
Mrs Buhari made the call in Abuja, the nation’s capital, when she hosted female heads of diplomatic missions, United Nations Agencies and wives of Ambassadors to dinner at the Presidential Villa.
She commended them for the support that they have provided in the past to her as the First Lady of Nigeria and President of the African First Ladies Peace Mission (AFPLM) as well as her Foundation, The Future Assured.
Mrs Buhari explained that the dinner was organized in appreciation for the envoys’ past support.
She said: “This gathering provides me with the opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate the tremendous support rendered to me as the First Lady of Nigeria and President of the African First Ladies Peace Mission, my Foundation, ‘The Future Assured’ through your respective offices over the years.
“The Aisha Buhari Foundation/Future Assured has carried out numerous activities through advocacy and direct service delivery. I must say, with your support, we have made a tremendous impact on the lives of Nigerians, especially in the development of our children, youth and women through strategic interventions in health, education, and economic empowerment.
“Distinguished guests, as you know that the global world order has recently been severely impacted by conflicts and humanitarian crises, especially in Africa, First Ladies in Africa have renewed their commitment to using their offices to promote peace.
“In my capacity as the President of AFPLM, therefore appeal for more support in building bridges to help wage peace as opposed to war. We should endeavour to build stronger alliances for our future and the future of the next generation.
“I believe that women’s participation and empowerment are directly proportional to the nation’s development, and we should all take responsibility for it. On my part, let me re-affirm my commitment once again to improving the lives of women, youth and children,” she said.
Unity
In her goodwill message, the Malaysian Ambassador to Nigeria, Gloria Corina Peter Tiwet, noted that all the 13 female ambassadors in Nigeria work in a close-knit manner and were present at the dinner.
She said the envoys were working hard to promote good relationships between their countries and Nigeria.
Also speaking, United Kingdom’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Liang, revealed that she was in Nigeria during the 2019 general election and would also witness the 2023 exercise.
She noted that Nigeria was not only deeply religious but also a very political country, saying “We are watching with Eagle eye to see how you whittle down the number of candidates aspiring.”
The High Commissioner observed that despite its numerous challenges, Nigeria was making huge strides as she assured that she was doing her best to make sure that the country was seen around the world “As playing a very prominent role in the region, trying to bring peace and stability and supporting democracy.”
PIAK