NAN – The First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, has tasked other African first ladies to uphold the message of peace in their respective countries.
Jonathan, who is the President, African First Ladies Peace Mission (AFLPM), gave the charge at a gala night for visiting first ladies and organisers of the National Youth Concert held in Abuja on Saturday, March 8, 2014.
She said “as you go back to your respective countries your excellencies, I urge you to continue to spread the message of peace and love among your people.’’
The first ladies, who are members of the Executive Bureau of the AFLPM, include Mrs Nompumelelo Zuma, the Vice President, Southern Africa region and Hajiya Wahad Omer, the Vice President of Eastern Africa region.
Others are Mrs Chantal Biya, the Vice President, Central Africa region and Mrs Antoinette N’Guesso of Cameroun.
Mrs Jonathan said she was elated at activities lined up for the day and expressed the hope that it would spread “fresh air’’ in the country.
She added that “excellencies, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, you will agree with me that it has been a very busy day for all, but our joy is in the fact that the meeting of the Executive Bureau of our mission that took place earlier in the day was successful.
“It is also heart-warming for me that the concert, which was meant to be a platform to mobilise and sensitise youths to continue to act as agents of peace, unity and positive change in our country was successful.
“I am indeed convinced that with the quality of presentations and inspiring speeches by the guest speakers, as well as the clerics earlier in the day; Nigerians will henceforth breath fresh air of peace.’’
She lauded Mrs Margaret Obi, wife of the Governor of Anambra, whose tenure would come to an end very soon, saying “you have made us proud, we wish you well in your future endeavours”.
The first lady commended Nigerian youths and those who participated in the concert “for showing a high sense of patriotism and the spirit of love and oneness through their peaceful conduct.’’
