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Nigeria’s First Lady, Dr. (Mrs.) Aisha Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday urged women to unite to elect leaders with a demonstrated commitment to a greater Nigeria, saying the voice of women must be heard loud and clear in the 2023 political season.
The wife of the President spoke while declaring open the 22nd National Women’s Conference (NWC) of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) held at the Convention Centre of Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, with the theme: “Spring Forth, Stand Out.”
The First Lady, who joined the conference virtually, urged women to get their Permanent Voters Card (PVCs) and mobilize for greater participation in governance and the economy, saying their PVCs remain the greatest avenue to political leadership in Nigeria.
According to her, “The theme of this conference is a wake-up call to all women, especially in politics and governance. Women need to unite and shine more especially in this political dispensation. As women, we need to improve our worth and capacity to lead; we should study and strategies to assure Nigeria and Nigerians that women have the capacity to participate in politics and elect our leaders for greater development.
“We can only raise our voices by registering and collecting our voters’ cards. Our card is our voice to leadership in Nigeria. We must mobilize and strategies more for greater participation in governance and the economy.
"As mothers of the nation, let us unite to elect leaders with vision and mission and demonstrated commitment to a better Nigeria. I am convinced that the voice of the women will be heard loud and clear in the 2023 political season.”
She encouraged women and youth to observe the tenets of democracy by shying away from violence and criminal act, just as she called for an end to harmful cultural practices whereby women and girls are prevented from benefiting from their father’s inheritance when they die.
“We thank God for having some Governors that are sensible and considerate considering women to have a voice in the society. The eradication of such harmful cultural practices is worth emulating throughout Nigeria,” she said.
She commended COWLSO under the leadership of Lagos State First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu for institutionalizing the annual conference as a platform for the development of women and their participation in governance and the economy, saying the initiative of COWLSO was a clear pointer to the unique strength and character of the Lagos women.
She equally commended the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and the Southwest Governors for making it possible for women to have a voice and sense of belonging and participation in governance and the political process.
In her opening remarks, COWLSO Chairman and Lagos State First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu said the conference had earned the status of an annual event with the objective of inspiring ideas and robust intellectual conversations on issues affecting women and girls, and also men and boys.
She said the proceeds realized from last year’s edition were channeled to undertake a number of projects in line with the founding vision of COWLSO to complement the efforts of the state government in bringing about exponential development and growth and generally improving the welfare of Lagosians.
Notably, the First Lady said COWLSO embarked on the construction of Community Senior Secondary School, Ogombo, Ajah to address the plight of students in the community who, before now, were being served by one Junior Secondary School.
She said it was gratifying that the project has been completed and that it was designed to have a ground floor and two floors, and the first public school with a ramp specially designed for physically challenged students to facilitate ease of their movement.
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