First lady Aisha Buhari, on Tuesday, said the voice of women must be heard loud and clear in the 2023 political season.

Mrs Buhari declared this while opening the 22nd National Women’s Conference, organised by the Committee Of Wives Of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) in Lagos.

She urged women to unite to elect leaders with a demonstrated commitment to a greater Nigeria.

The Nigerian first lady, who joined the conference virtually, urged women to get their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and mobilise for greater participation in governance and the economy.

According to her, the PVC remains the greatest avenue to political leadership in Nigeria, urging women to get theirs.

”The theme of this conference is a wake-up call to all women, especially in politics and governance. Women need to unite and shine more, especially in this political dispensation,” she noted. ”As women, we need to improve our worth and capacity to lead; we should study and strategise to assure Nigeria and Nigerians that women have the capacity to participate in politics and elect our leaders for greater development.”

Mrs Buhari further explained that “we can only raise our voices by registering and collecting our voters’ cards.” 

She added, “Our card is our voice to leadership in Nigeria. We must mobilise and strategise more for greater participation in governance and the economy. As mothers of the nation, let us unite to elect leaders with vision and mission and demonstrated commitment to a better Nigeria. I am convinced that the voice of the women will be heard loud and clear in the 2023 political season.”

Mrs Buhari also encouraged women and youth to observe the tenets of democracy by shying away from violence and criminal act and called for an end to harmful cultural practices whereby women and girls are prevented from benefiting from their father’s inheritance.

”We thank God for having some governors that are sensible and considerate, considering women to have a voice in society. The eradication of such harmful cultural practices is worth emulating throughout Nigeria,” the first lady said.

(NAN)