Patience: I’d support Aisha Buhari to help women

Patience Jonathan, wife of Nigeria’s outgoing president, says she intends to join hands with Aisha Buhari, wife of her husband’s successor, to improve the lives of Nigerian women.

Speaking on Thursday during the inauguration of the defence and police officer’s wives association’s (DEPOWA) skills and acquisition centre, she advised members of the association to continue to support their husbands, adding that as women, their role in nation-building is very critical.

“I will make sure that I support my sister the incoming first lady to make sure Nigerian women are safe,” she said.

“I will like to challenge members of this association to continue to be a huge inspiration to their husbands as you offer constructive advice to them at all times.

“Let us continue to embrace peace and employ dialogue in addressing all our differences.”

She also commended the military for the successes recorded so far in battle against insurgency and condoled with the “families of fallen heroes who had paid the supreme price”.

“We thank God our military is winning the battle against insurgents in the north-east,” she said.

“May I, therefore, offer my heartfelt condolences to the families of officers and men who have paid the supreme price in order for us to live.

“If they can excel in their peacekeeping operations all over the world, I am convinced that they will definitely excel at home and I am also confident that by God’s grace we will conquer.”

She commended the leadership of the association for initiating the project, saying it would improve the quality of the lives of families of the fallen heroes and members of the barrack community.

She also thanked other women associations for their role in uplifting Nigerian women.

“I am particularly impressed with your decision to establish a skills acquisition centre in memory of the fallen heroes of the Nigerian armed forces and other members of security agencies who died in the fight against insurgents in the country.

“I enjoin beneficiaries of this worthy project to utilise its services towards improving their conditions and that of their children. The skills you will acquire here will eventually empower and prosper you and your families.”

In her remarks, Mary Badeh, wife of the chief of defence staff and president of DEPOWA, said the establishment of the centre was to meet the needs of members of the barrack community.

She said that the centre was a demonstration of the association’s firm commitment to the empowerment of women and youths.

“It is indeed saddening to observe the hardship experienced by some dependents of personnel, particularly those of our fallen heroes, who, due to the absence of an alternative means of income, go through untold grief,” she said.

“It is my humble submission therefore that DEPOWA is constantly making choices and constantly creating new experiences.

“Although, we may be affected by circumstances beyond our control, we have essentially decided on the direction to follow, which is the path of development, emancipation and humanitarian services to the needy.’’

The centre was equipped to train people in information and communication technology (ICT), tailoring, catering, hairdressing and soap making, among others.