President Muhammadu Buhari has said women and children have been the primary victims of the breakdown of peace due to the activities of insurgents and bandits which have led to more widespread displacement and poverty
This was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina.
Buhari spoke at the opening ceremony of the 9th General Assembly of the African First Ladies Peace Mission (AFLPM), held at the State House Conference Center.
The President, who was the Special Guest of Honour at the event, pledged support to the resolutions of the African First Ladies Peace Mission (AFLPM) aimed at promoting peace and development in the continent.
He called upon African Leaders and other stakeholders to support women in realising their core objective of building a peaceful society.
“The activities of insurgents and banditry have led to more widespread displacement and poverty. It is not in doubt that women and children are the worst affected by the breakdown of peace. Therefore, as mothers, I believe, you are in better position to drive the processes of peace and actions where necessary.
“Indeed, I’m happy to know that your forum has been working towards promoting peaceful coexistence within the continent in so many ways.”
The 9th General Assembly of the AFLPM unanimously elected the First Lady of Nigeria as the new President.
In her acceptance speech, Aisha pledged to execute her new responsibility with total commitment, urging her colleagues to work in unison towards a glorious destiny for Africa.
In his brief goodwill message, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, noted that the African continent is currently at a very critical stage of its history when various issues are confronting its peace.
“Africa is at a critical juncture, facing so many existential challenges. This critical situation calls for decisive leadership and concerted action. Africa is battling with a COVID-19 pandemic, battling with devastating consequences of climate change, battling with the catastrophe of terrorism, battling with human and drug trafficking, irregular migration, crushing poverty, and unfortunately, the list goes on.
“Africa is struggling, Africa is bleeding profusely. We must all come together; we must act and act now. We salute you, the African first ladies, for standing up to be counted. You are a very powerful and influential group that can make a huge difference that can help to deliver the Africa we want, and the Africa we deserve”, he stated.
