First lady Aisha Buhari has called on Nigerian women to remain steadfast in their pursuit of equal rights and more involvement in the governance of Nigeria.

She also urged Nigerian women to pray for peace and counsel their children to shun violence before, during and after the 2023 elections.

Ms Buhari stated this on Thursday when she hosted wives of members of the National Assembly for the Ramadan (Iftar) breakfast at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

“Permit me to use this opportunity to remind ourselves of our responsibility during the forthcoming electioneering campaign,” said the first lady. “We should remain steadfast, counsel our children to shun violence and promote peace for the unity of Nigeria.”

Mrs Buhari also reminded her guests of the need to join hands and push for a greater women’s agenda, especially to achieve the desire for affirmative actions for women.

She also urged them not to relent in their quest to achieve 35 per cent affirmative actions for increased women’s representation in government.

”I appreciate your supportive roles in our quest for constitutional amendments that anticipate more opportunities for women in governance,” she said.

While sowing her disappointment for the inability of the bills to scale through in the National Assembly, Mrs Buhari, however, expressed satisfaction that the issues have been discussed at appropriate quarters.

“Let me assure you that we will continue with the struggle until our demands are met. Our unity in this struggle is crucial,” explained Mrs Buhari. “Our women in parliament and wives of our legislators have a greater role to play to convince their spouses and ensure that our demands for affirmative actions are met.”

In her goodwill message, the vice president’s wife, Dolapo Osinbajo, commended the first lady for identifying with Nigerian women at all times, saying this will foster unity and love among women in the country.

The Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen, urged women to intensify prayers and guard their children against all forms of abuse.

According to Ms Tallen, her ministry is working hard to ensure that perpetrators of violence against women and girls are prosecuted.