Nigeria’s First Lady Aisha Buhari has called on African First Ladies to intensify efforts towards ending gender-based violence and promoting peace on the continent.
Speaking at the 10th General Assembly of the African First Ladies Peace Mission (AFLPM) in Abuja, Buhari highlighted the devastating effects of insecurity and violence, particularly on women and children.
Buhari, who was elected President of AFLPM in November 2021, shared the mission’s achievements over the past year, including the construction of a five-storey secretariat in Abuja, which was funded by the Nigerian government, member states, and private donors.
The building will serve as a supportive platform and mechanism for women-led initiatives that will contribute to the advancement of peace, stability, and security in Africa.
The AFLPM also provided humanitarian support to victims of the recent Turkey Syria earthquake, as well as educational materials, food supplements, and nutritional food items to countries such as Sierra Leone, Burundi, and Liberia.
Buhari urged African First Ladies to pursue constructive engagement with wealthy individuals to create deliberate opportunities for poverty reduction, engage the media as a key player in setting agendas, and introduce peace studies in educational institutions.
Buhari’s term as First Lady ends on May 29, 2023, and a new President and Vice President of AFLPM have been elected. Buhari expressed confidence that her successor’s tenure would move the AFLPM a notch higher and promised to remain supportive in her role as the Chair of the Honorary Advisory Council.
The African First Ladies Peace Mission was established in 1995 to promote peace, stability, and development in Africa.
The mission brings together First Ladies from different African countries to advocate for the welfare of women, children, and other vulnerable groups in society.
