Aisha Buhari tasks groups on women, girl-child emancipation

She stated this in Abuja at the weekend at a well-attended conference organised by Aspire Women Forum, a non-governmental organisation founded by a frontline female activist, Mrs Zainab Marwa-Abubakar.

While urging Nigerian women not to be discouraged, the First Lady urged them to continue to pick up challenges which will build them as well as empower themselves to aspire to greater heights.

Represented by her Special Adviser, Dr Hajo Sani at the event, the First Lady later launched the NGO’s quarterly magazine and also unveiled the logo of the Aspire Women Network Project.

The President/Founder of Aspire Women Forum, Barrister Zainab Marwa- Abubakar pointed out that the NGO was aimed at promoting the interest of women, while advising them to always believe in their abilities and strive for happiness through living a purpose filled life.

“The Happy Conference was borne out of the idea that every woman has a right to the pursuit of happiness. We chose this focus because there is a growing rate of suicide, murder, despondency, hopelessness and drug abuse among Nigerian women. This, coupled with the recent COVID-19 pandemic has caused women to develop fear, anxiety and depression,” she stated.

Also speaking at the conference, former EFCC Chairman and founder, Women Youth Children and Crime Organisation, WYCCO, Mrs Farida Waziri said: “A woman’s position is now associated with development and giving a woman a position in any country is like giving the nation the best.

As such, we must be seen as women who want to advance not only for women but for the country we live in.”

In her remarks, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouk said the aspire women forum is a practical demonstration of what women can do for families, friends and the nation.

She charged all women to contribute their quota irrespective of age, tribe and religion in order to make Nigeria great. Hon. Abike Dabiri Erewa, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), said at the conference that “women are seen as multitasking especially when building the home, hence the society by extension.”