Abuja Shut Down As First Lady’s Attracts Women From 36 States And capital

from:.infong

Activities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja was on Thursday literally grounded to a halt as women from the 36 states of the federation and the FCT converged on Eagle Square for a rally organized by the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) in collaboration with Office of the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan.

All routes leading to the venue of the rally located in the central area were barricaded by stern looking security personnel from as early as 7am till about 4pm in the evening thereby leaving commuters stranded.

Apart from the heavy presence of security personnel and blockage of roads, a police chopper hovered round the venue of the event for several hours providing aerial back-up.

Speaking at the event tagged “Nigerian Women Rally for Peace and Empowerment”, Vice President Namadi  Sambo, who was the special guest of honour, said it is the desire of the President Goodluck Jonathan government to not only carry women along but also “to promote a gender-sensitive and responsive culture in the nation’s policy planning for national development”.

“We are aware of the need to carry women along and celebrate Nigerian women for their roles in the promotion of peace and economic development and have accordingly identified with their plight in our desire to promote a gender-sensitive and gender-responsive policy for national development,” said VP Sambo who also commended the Nigerian women for their award to the President for his role in championing the cause of the female gender in Nigeria.

The First Lady in her speech commended the Jonathan/ Sambo government for the remarkable empowerment of women with their appointment into key portfolios in the present dispensation.

Also, Mrs. Jonathan saluted the women for their joint efforts towards promoting peace and enjoined them to play their part in nation building, adding: “We must appreciate that Nigeria belongs to all of us and we must protect her. Nigerian women have come a long way and we must remain focused and work together to add value to ourselves as well as use our huge numbers to our advantage.”

She urged Nigerian women to “speak with one voice for peace” and be “empowered to contribute meaningfully to national development”.