29th August, 2014
Wife of the president, Dame Patience Jonathan, has described her husband, President Goodluck Jonathan, as gender-loving and had improved the fortunes of Nigerian women.
Dame Jonathan made the remark when she received the National Executive members of the Civil Defense Officers’ Wives Association (CDOWA) led by its President, Mrs Aderonke Abolurin, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
“Nigerian women have never had it so good. As a gender-loving President, His Excellency, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, has done a lot to improve upon the fortunes of women in Nigeria.
“For the first time in our nation’s history, Nigerian women are very visible in all areas of our national life; In the executive, judiciary, legislature, even in the military and para-military agencies, among others,” she said.
The first lady urged members of the association and other women to continue in their support for the government, all its programme and activities.
“By so doing, we will collectively be beneficiaries of the Transformation Agenda,” she added.
She stressed that as wives of security officers, they occupied a unique position in the society. “You not only keep the home front intact, you also complement the efforts of your husband’s in securing the nation,” she said.
She expressed delight that their support had impacted positively on the performance of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps in crime prevention and control.
The first lady also urged them to be steadfast in prayers for the safe return of the abducted Chibok girls.
She said they should also pray for the protection of security men who are working day and night to ensure that peace reigned in Nigeria. “They are our husbands, sons and brothers. Let me also use this opportunity to remind you of your duty to take good care of your children, train and teach them in the way of the Lord,” she said.
Abolurin said the association identified with the first lady’s peace initiatives. “Your excellency’s commitment for an endearing and sustainable peace, tranquillity, as well as socio/economic development of this great nation is unparalleled.
“Your unique and lofty programmes have indeed marked you out as a compassionate mother,” Abolurin said.
She lauded the first lady’s support for “our compassionate and caring President who is so passionate about transforming this great nation.”
Abolurin also expressed the association’s loyalty and support for Government efforts t putting smiles on the faces of Nigerians.