The wife of the President, Hajia Aisha Buhari, on Tuesday urged wives of public office holders in the country to be agents of change at all levels.
Buhari made the call at the opening of a four-day national workshop organised by the Centre for Gender Studies International for wives of top public office holders in Abuja.
Represented by Mairo Al-Makura, the wife of the Nasarawa State Governor, Buhari said the workshop would respond to most of the questions women in governance asked, including constitutional provisions for wives of political office holders.
She said: “The workshop will address the place of Nigerian women in leadership and how to establish sustainable empowerment projects for them.
“To change, you must resolve to change yourself before changing others and we are the paradigm for today’s success in governance to common platforms.
“We must appreciate our roles and responsibilities toward our people in being agents of change through friendly activities as peace agents and home builders.
“I, therefore, encourage us to ensure that we carry everybody along in our various constituencies, irrespective of religion, tribe or political party and we should remember that the fate of all Nigerians and even the next generations are in our hands.”
Buhari said it was important for women to understand the policy thrust of the Federal Government and urged state governments to lend their support for the success of those policies.
Linus Okorie, the host of Kakaaki on African Independent Television, in a keynote address, said women in leadership required global mindset, stressing that thoughts were powerful for progress.
Okorie said for women to achieve their role in leadership, they needed to recognise a dignified personality, innovate ideas, have passion to meet targets, contribute to public development and have value for their time.
Florence Ajimobi, the wife of the Oyo State Governor, urged participants to invest in the lives of vulnerable women at their state level, adding that by so doing, they were helping to develop the nation.
Ajimobi, who was represented by Bolanle Ali, said: “Women have the obligation to give their husbands wise counselling in all matters where they have the privilege to do so.
“It is our responsibility to encourage our husbands to govern with the fear of God and in line with the law guiding the office they hold.”
Falilat Obasa, the wife of the Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, said for women in public offices to succeed, it was necessary to strengthen their capacity for leadership.
Obasa said it would enable women to bring about wider social change and end inequality.
Ifeyinwa Omowole, the National President of the National Association of Women Journalists, encouraged women to do more at their levels of disposition.
NAN.