First Ladies of Africa have crowned Former Malawi President Dr. Joyce Banda “Mama Africa” and permanent member of the board of Africa First Ladies Peace Mission (AFLPM).
The first Ladies of Africa converged in Abuja, Nigeria for the official commissioning of AFLPM headquarters.
First Lady of Nigeria Aisha Buhari, spouse to outgoing President of Nigeria Muhammadu Buhari announced during the function that the Former Malawi leader Dr. Joyce Banda is the permanent member of the board of AFLPM.
Apart from the former Malawi leader, former President of Central African Republic Catherine Samba Panza, Liberia’s Vice President Jewel Taylor, the wife of Nigeria’s President-elect, Senator Remi Tinubu; wives of Presidents and governors from other African countries as well as members of the diplomatic Corp were in attendance.
Buhari said the organization of Africa’s first Ladies requires the services of wise and intelligent people like Dr. Joyce Banda and other former presidents for support if the assembly is to sustain peace, security and mitigation of violent conflicts in Africa.
Dr. Joyce Banda was nominated by Southern African Development Community (SADC) panel of elders through African Union (AU) to speak at the event.
During her speech, Banda said she was delighted to be part of the mammoth crowd that gathered to witness the commissioning of such a magnificent building located along the airport road in Abuja.
She said time has come for Africans to join hands in promoting peace and security.
She called upon women to take a leading role in mediation, prevention and peace building.
On Monday, the outgoing President of the 9th Assembly Aisha Buhari signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the African Union aimed at transforming the continent to promote a culture of peace and attain the Sustainable Development Goals.
She also spoke on the crisis in Sudan, saying all hands must be on deck to ensure that the problems are not allowed to escalate.
