First lady Aisha Buhari has expressed gratitude to members of the diplomatic community for their support towards the actualisation of her dreams of supporting children, women and youths of Nigeria through her Aisha Buhari Foundation (ABF).

“I believe that women participation and empowerment is directly proportional to national development and we must all take responsibility for it,” Mrs Buhari noted.

Mrs Buhari disclosed this on Tuesday when she hosted Female Heads of Diplomatic Missions and Wives of Ambassadors to Nigeria to an Eid-el-Fitr dinner at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The first lady used the opportunity to appreciate the support rendered to her foundation in bridging the gap in health and economic well-being of women and youths, especially the education of the girl-child.

“I must say, with your support, we have recorded tremendous success through our strategic intervention in areas of health, education and economic empowerment of our women and youths,” she said.

Mrs Buhari also used the opportunity to remind the gathering of their resolve to renew their commitment towards peace building in Africa.

“In my capacity as President of AFLPM, I want to use this medium to appeal for  more support towards building bridges to help in promoting peace in conflict areas in our regions,” Mrs Buhari.

She urged the female heads of diplomatic missions and spouses of foreign ambassadors to Nigeria to use their influence and promote women participation in politics.

(NAN)