By Tayo Joseph, Lagos
Wife of the President, Mrs. Aisha Muhammadu Buhari has joined other West African First ladies in the call for the elimination of Fistula, Female Genital Mutilation and Promotion of the Child Rights Act, as they affect women and children in the West African sub region.
Mrs. Buhari who was represented by the wife of the Vice President Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo was speaking at the 2017 edition of ECOWAS First Ladies forum in Niamey, Niger Republic, which brought together stakeholders from ECOWAS and AU member states and other development partners including UNICEF and UNFPA.
The Convener of the event and First Lady of the Republic of Niger, Mrs. Malia Issofou advocated for the elimination of obsteric fistula in West Africa, calling for the development of a strategic framework for strengthening child protection as well as the fight against female genital mutilation
She expressed appreciation to the Nigerian delegation at the event saying it is a step to addressing the numerous challenges of women and children in the region.
The Wife of the Vice President was accompanied by the wives of the Governors of Kogi State Mrs. Rashidat Bello, and of Nassararwa state Mrs. Mairo Al Makura along with the Senior Special Assistant to the President Dr Hajo Sani.
The forum had in attendance first ladies of West African countries who also advocated for a strong recommendation for the effective integration of the fight against Female Genital Mutilation in the legislative framework that protects and promotes the rights of women and girls in ECOWAS member countries and provide support for pilot projects that will be identified in respective member states.
