Nigeria’s first lady, Aisha Buhari has described First Ladies as ‘underbelly’ of the government.
Gatekeepers News reports that the wife of the Nigeria’s President, Aisha Muhammadu Buhari, has described First Ladies as the underbelly of any government, saying that they provide humanitarian, compassionate and mercy services by organising health, educational and empowerment projects.
Aisha Buhari said this at the Independent Newspapers Nigerian First Ladies Impact Awards held in Abuja, FCT.
Aisha Buhari was represented by her Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Aliu Abdullahi.
Aisha Buhari charged the media to provide publicity to make the projects of First Ladies more visible.
She said, “First Ladies provide the underbelly of any government as they provide humanitarian, compassionate and mercy services by organising health, educational and empowerment projects.
“They help in the protection of the vulnerable people including women, children, youth and the aged. They also have the advantage of providing counsel to the governors.
“First Ladies have become advocates for school enrolment and retention, adult education, self-reliance and health awareness. They are also advocates against gender-based violence, drug abuse, and trafficking of persons.
“They also provide financial support in terms of scholarships and settlement of medical bills for those who are underprivileged.
“I want to use this opportunity to call on media practitioners to engage more with First Ladies so that their projects can get more visibility.
“The partnership will be a win-win because the media would then have discharged a part of its social responsibility.
“I congratulate those recognised today. I believe this will not only spur you to do more but will equally spur others. It will also open discussions with regards to more partnerships which will be in the overall interest of the nation.
“it is a testimony that the medium understands its role as a partner and a stakeholder in development.
“It is without a doubt that the media has a pivotal role to play not just setting agenda for discourse, but also in supporting and amplifying worthy causes.”
The awardees include First Ladies of Akwa Ibom, Dr Mrs Martha Udom Emmanuel, Kwara, Amb Dr Olufulake Abdulrazaq, Bauchi, Aisha Bala Mohammed, Ekiti, Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi, Cross River, Dr Linda Ugwuye Ayade, Osun, Kafayat Oyetola and Taraba States, Barr Ann Mbasughun Darius Ishaku.
