How women can contribute to peaceful society, President Buhari tells African First Ladies

*As wife elected 9th President of Mission

By BASHIR ADEFAKA

Coincidentally, at the continental level, the African First Ladies Peace Mission’s Summit Monday provided a wider range of opportunity, which President Buhari grabbed well in expansively talking about the vital role of women and how they can contribute to security, peace and development of national, continental and global societies.

President Muhammadu Buhari Monday in Abuja pledged support to the resolutions of the African First Ladies Peace Mission (AFLPM), aimed at promoting peace and development on the continent.

Addressing the opening ceremony of the 9th General Assembly of the AFLPM, the President also urged African Leaders and other stakeholders to support the women in realising their core objective of building a peaceful society.

President Buhari was speaking barely 48 hours after the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, spoke in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, asking women to return to their fundamental role of nation building that Nigeria’s dwindling family and national values may restore.

The Sultan had spoken on a sideline of his attendance at the opening ceremony of Second International and 11th Biannual Conference, organised by The Criterion, an Association of Muslim Women in Business and the Professions, which was held at the University of Ibadan Mosque Event Hall, on Saturday.

Represented by the Attah and Paramount Ruler of Aiyede Kingdom, Ekiti State, Oba Alhaji AbdulMumini Adebayo Orishagbemi, Arojojoye Abolokefa IV, Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar, who is Co-President of Council of the World Religions for Peace headquartered in New York, United States of America, expressed belief that the insecurity in the country could have been stopped through right education and that the right teachers to give such education are the women, that is, the mothers.

Coincidentally, at the continental level, the African First Ladies Peace Mission’s Summit Monday provided a wider range of opportunity, which President Buhari grabbed well in expansively talking about the vital role of women and how they can contribute to security, peace and development of national, continental and global societies.

During the event, the Nigerian Leader expressed concern that peace has become an elusive subject that affects development in many regions of Africa.

President Buhari said: ”The activities of insurgents and bandits have led to more widespread displacement and poverty.

”It is not in doubt that women and children are the worst affected by the breakdown of peace. Therefore, as mothers, I believe, you are in a better position to drive the processes of peace and actions where necessary.

”Indeed, I’m happy to know that your forum has been working towards promoting peaceful coexistence within the continent in so many ways,” he said.

President Muhammadu Buhari congratulated the Nigerian First Lady, Dr Aisha Buhari, for acquiring a piece of land on behalf of all First Ladies for the development of a secretariat for the Mission in Abuja.

”It gladdens my heart to know that when completed the secretariat will serve several purposes including creating employment opportunities as well as generating income for sustainability,” he said.

Aisha Buhari election

The 9th General Assembly of the AFLPM unanimously elected the First Lady of Nigeria as the new President.

In her acceptance speech, Dr Aisha Buhari pledged to execute her new responsibility with total commitment, urging her colleagues to work in unison towards a glorious destiny for Africa.

”With all sense of humility, I accept my election as the incoming 9th President of the African First Ladies Peace Mission.

”I want to sincerely thank all my colleagues for your continuous support and understanding and for entrusting me with this great responsibility.

”I pledge to execute my responsibility with total commitment and in accordance to the Missions laid down regulations.

”Your Excellences, Gentlemen of the Press, as you are aware, the task before us is a collective commitment hence the cooperation of all us is needed for the overall success of the African First Ladies Peace Mission.

”On my own part, I assure you that I will discharge the affairs of my office with honesty, dedication and inclusivity.

”My dear colleagues as we conclude this Summit, let history guide us to ensure that the Africa we bequeath to our children today is better than the one we inherited.

”Let us commit ourselves to working together towards achieving a glorious destiny for all Africans,” she said.