Aisha Buhari urges wives of public officers to be change agents
(Nigeria) The wife of the President, Mrs Aisha Buhari, on
Tuesday, urged wives of public office holders in the country to be agents of
change at all levels.
She made the call at the opening of a four-day national
workshop organised by the Centre for Gender Studies International, CGSI, for
wives of top public office holders in Abuja.
Represented by Mrs Mairo Al-Makura, wife of Nasarawa State
Governor, the president’s wife said the workshop would respond to most of the
questions women in governance asked, including constitutional provisions for
wives of political office holders.
She said ``the workshop will address the place of Nigerian
women in leadership and how to establish sustainable empowerment projects for
them.
``To change, you must resolve to change yourself before
changing others and we are the paradigm for today's success in governance to
common platforms. We must appreciate our roles and responsibilities toward our
people in being agents of change through friendly activities as peace agents
and home builders.
``I, therefore, encourage us to ensure that we carry
everybody along in our various constituencies, irrespective of religion, tribe
or political party and we should remember that the fate of all Nigerians and
even the next generations are in our hands.’’
Mrs Buhari said it was important for women to understand the
policy thrust of the Federal Government and urged state governments to lend
their support for the success of those policies.
Mr Linus Okorie, the host of ``Kakaaki’’ programme on
African Independent Television (AIT), in a keynote address, said women in
leadership required global mindset, stressing that thoughts were powerful for progress.
He said that for women to achieve their role in
leadership,they needed to recognise a dignified personality, innovate ideas,
have passion to meet targets, contribute to public development and have value
for their time.
Mrs Florence Ajimobi, wife of Oyo State Governor urged
participants to invest in the lives of vulnerable women at their state level,
adding that they were helping to develop the nation.
Ajimobi, who was represented by Mrs Bolanle Ali, said
``women have the obligation to give their husbands wise counselling in all
matters where they have the privilege to do so.
``It is our responsibility to encourage our husbands to
govern with the fear of God and in line with the law guiding the office they
hold.’’
Mrs Falilat Obasa, wife of Lagos State House of Assembly
Speaker, said for women in public offices to succeed, it was necessary to
strengthen their capacity for leadership.
Obasa said it would enable women to bring about wider social
change and end inequality.
Mrs Ifeyinwa Omowole, the National President, Nigerian
Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, encouraged women to do more at their
levels of disposition.
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