Aisha Buhari Seeks Foreign Support to Aid Nigerian Women’s Participation in Politics
By Nafisat Bello
The First Lady, Aisha Buhari, has called on ambassadors of countries represented in Nigeria to do more to ensure women’s participation in politics of the country.
She also appealed to them to provide more support to wives of leaders in Africa to enable them build bridges and wage peace rather than war.
The President’s wife spoke when she hosted female heads of diplomatic missions, United Nation Agencies and Wives of Ambassadors to Eid-el-Fitr Dinner at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
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.
Buhari’s wife explained that the dinner was organized in appreciation for the envoys past support. She said: “This gathering provides me 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, my Foundation, the Aisha Buhari Foundation/Future Assured, have carried out numerous activities through advocacy and direct service delivery.
“I must say, with your support, we have recorded 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 suing their offices for the promotion of peace.
“In my capacity as the President of AFPLM, I, therefore, appeal for more support in building bridges to help wage peace as opposed to war.
“We should endeavor to build stronger alliances for our future and the future of the next generation.
“Tonight, while thanking you most sincerely for all you have done, I equally urge us to do more especially in promoting women participation in politics.
“I believe that women participation and empowerment is directly proportional to the nation’s development, and we should all take responsibility for it,” she said.