First Lady of Nigeria,
First Lady of Nigeria, Dr. Aisha Buhari has expressed
her resolve to construct a regional secretariat for the African
First Ladies Peace Mission (AFLPM). The Mission, which was
established after the Beijing Conference of 1995, has been in the
custody of Nigeria, with leadership rotating among African First
Ladies.
She was speaking during a solidarity visit by First
Ladies from the states at the Presidential Villa on Wednesday, 16th
October, 2019.
“I have successfully secured 2.7 hectares of land in
Abuja for this purpose and the foundation laying will soon be
conducted in the presence of African First Ladies” said Mrs.
Buhari.
Speaking on the advocacy project for the improvement
of maternal and child health, which is supported by Bill and
Melinda Gates Foundation and implemented by Future Assured
Programme in partnership with the states First Ladies, Mrs. Buhari
said it will come to an end in December 2019.
She used the opportunity to commend the first ladies
for the good work they have been doing in their various states, and
the successful collaboration they did with Future Assured, calling
on the new First Ladies to do the same. She called on them not to
succumb to distractions by social media.
Commenting on the videos circulating on social
networks, Mrs. Buhari extended her apology to her children, her
immediate family members and all well-meaning Nigerians over the
embarrassment that the videos had caused.
She expressed appreciation to the President for
approving a new set of aides to assist her in carrying out her
various responsibilities..
Earlier, First Lady of Borno state, Mrs. Falmata Umara
Zulum representing Northern First Ladies Forum and Mrs. Betsy
Obaseki, representing Southern First Ladies Forum spoke during the
occasion.
Mrs. Zulum said they were at the Villa to welcome her
back after a long absence, and expressed their unalloyed loyalty
and support to her initiatives especially through the Future
Assured Programme, which she said has made her a role model even to
other African women.
Mrs. Obaseki on her part said they received news of
the First Lady’s return with great excitement, praying God to
continue to protect her. She used the opportunity to thank the
President for approving additional special assistants for her,
saying this is an indication of the regard he has for her
work..
The event was attended by wife of the Vice President,
Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo, wife of the Senate President, Mrs. Maryam
Ahmed Lawan and wife of the Speaker, House of Representatives, Mrs.
Salamatu Gbajabiamila, as well as wives of Governors and wives of
Legislators.
Suleiman Haruna
Director of Information to the First Lady of
Nigeria
State House
Abuja