Buhari’s wife hails groups on women, girl-child empowerment

 Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

MRS. Aisha Buhari, wife of President Muhammadu Buhari, has hailed Women Awards Championship International and Nigeria Aquatic Federation for their  commitment towards  the empowerment of women, especially the girl-child.

She said efforts aimed at making life better for women and children should be encouraged, as it had the potential to trigger multiplier effects on the socio-economic development of individuals, communities and the nation.

The first lady spoke at the weekend at the Conference Hall of the African First Ladies Peace Mission, Abuja, while unveiling a trophy for the maiden edition of International Women Swimming Championship, organised by Women Awards Championship International and Nigeria Aquatic Federation, in collaboration with African First Ladies Peace Mission.

The international sporting competition is being put together to honour Mrs. Buhari, wife of Ogun State governor Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun and 35 others as well as drum support for rural women and girl-child across the 774 local governments in the country.

The President’s wife was represented by her Senior Special Adviser on African First Ladies Peace Mission, Hajiya Mairo Al-makura.

She praised the groups’ cause, saying their vision to empower the women was in tandem with the lofty aims of her pet project, ‘Future Assured Project’, dedicated to  making  life comfortable for women and children, especially the less privileged, to ensure that they were empowered and protected for efficiency and productivity.

Mrs. Buhari said she remained committed to breaking the existing social barrier against rural women, thereby giving the girl-child a sense of belonging in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), being one of her core missions to women across all strata.

Read Also: Aisha Buhari not sick, says aide

She hailed her husband for his support towards ending domestic violence against women and girl-child, calling for further support on programmes and policies that could assist women and girl-child to attain their potential.

The President, Women in Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria, Mrs. Anita Okuribido, who also doubles as the chief coordinator of the championship, said the swimming event scheduled for 2021 is being done to honour Mrs. Buhari in championing the cause of vulnerable women through her socio-economic development and empowerment programmes.