By Paul Efiong
Wife of the President, Mrs Aisha Buhari has called on men politicians across the country to create more opportunities for women in order for them to contribute meaningfully towards nation building.
Mrs Buhari who was represented by the former Deputy Governor of Plateau state, Dame Pauline Tallen at a two-day International Women Security Workshop held in Abuja, further advised women to always be good listeners in order to impact positively on their well being.
While declaring the workshop open, she commended the organizers, saying that the event was timely especially as more Nigerian women are now warming up for another election in the 2019.
Speaking on the theme of the workshop “Women, Peace Advocacy & Security Matters For Nation Building” Mrs Buhari disclosed that most women politicians are worried over decline in numerical strength of women currently in appointive and elective positions in Nigeria despite their population.
In her address, the wife of Zamfara state governor and chairperson Nigeria’s Governors Wife Forum, Mrs Fatima Yari said men should not be blamed for women backwardness in politics as most times women are problem to themselves.
She used the occasion to advise parents to always take proper care of their children and wards as such measure might prevent them from becoming wayward in the future.
Mrs Yari, who also lamented what she called “reckless marrying of many wives” by some men who could not cater for even “one wife” in some states of the Northern Nigeria, noted with shock that most children raised by such parents have no alternative in life than to become prostitutes, Boko Haram, armed rubbers etc.
However, the Zamfara first lady further advised women to always work on their mindset as positive impact might come their way once they make up their mind to accomplish any given task they want for themselves.
She concluded with the admonition that mothers must always be ready to play active role in the maintenance of peace and security in the country as they are always the most vulnerable group in every cases of violence outbreak, war or an epidemic.
The Director General, Institute of Peace and Conflic Resolution (IPCR) Professor Osita Osita was represented by a Director in the Institute , Mrs.Grace Audu.
In an interview, the Managing Director of Skyhigh Security Safety and Skills Limited, Mrs Folake Yoba explained that the workshop was meant to address topical issues affecting the female gender in peace advocacy and security matters.
