TheCable

Aisha Buhari, wife of the president, says the governors’ wives under the auspices of the Nigeria Governors Spouses Forum (NGSF) should use their positions to promote change and inclusion.

Aisha spoke on Thursday at the opening of the governors’ spouses induction summit held in Abuja.

The summit was aimed at building the capacities of all wives of the governors toward fostering unity and delivering good leadership.

Aisha who was represented by Mohamed Albishir, her special adviser on Africa First Ladies Peace Mission (AFLPM), said the incoming governors’ wives should encourage their husbands to deliver good governance.

“Irrespective of our differences and experiences, our challenges should not deter our commitments to serve Nigeria better. Our “renewed hope” is a vision that requires capacity building and strategies for more impactful democratic change and inclusion,” she said.

“This summit is hence important in providing participants, opportunities to fine-tune their collective vision for more effective democratization.

“Our commitments to democracy as wives and leaders require collective efforts to build a strong foundation for democratic governance. This summit, therefore, provides an avenue in acquiring ideals for promoting excellence and innovation in all our processes of governance.”

She urged the incoming governors’ wives to always play their role in serving the communities for the development of the country.

She expressed appreciation to the governors’ wives for their contributions to the development of the country’s democracy.

“I appreciate their support, especially to my foundation: the future assured and the African First Ladies Peace Mission (AFLPM) which I served as the president,” she added.

“While I thank the Almighty for his blessing in the last eight years, I would like to remind the serving and incoming spouses of the executive governors to give more support to their husbands in order to ensure the delivery of good governance.

“We should remember that our duty first, is to serve our communities and to do so, we must remain committed to the development of a new Nigeria. The call to action is to take a lead in promoting democracy and gender participation of women in politics and governance.

“I, therefore, urge you to translate the brilliant ideals of today’s summit and utilize them to promote women’s rights and empowerment. I must emphasise that it is important to translate our gender policy into action. Our vision of building a better Nigeria should start from our states and through you as we lay a foundation for greater Nigeria.

“Let us try and turn our current challenges into opportunities for creating a new Nigeria that is safe, secure and sustainable. On this note, I challenge all to remain focused, dedicated and committed to the plight of our children and the nation.

“It is through your support and dedication to helping women and the girl-child that their dreams can be actualized and potentials become realizable. It is doable and I know you can do it.”

Meanwhile, Aisha’s administration as the first lady will elapse on May 29 when the new administration will take over.