Dame Jonathan Condemns Bombing, Killing of Innocent Citizens

Nigeria's First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan has condemned the spate of bombings, killing and maiming of innocent citizens in the country.
Mrs. Jonathan who spoke while receiving the women of Benue State led by the wife of the Governor, Mrs. Yemisi Dooshima Suswan who paid her a courtesy call at the Presidential Villa Monday noted that the spate of violence in the country must stop in the interest of the nation.
She therefore, called on all men and women of goodwill to come together to tackle this challenge in the interest of peace and national survival.
Dame Patience Jonathan seized the opportunity of the visit to thank the women of Benue state for the overwhelming support they gave to the Goodluck/Sambo ticket during the April general election.
She reiterated her commitment to women empowerment and assured the Nigerian women that the promise of 35% appointive positions for them by the president would be actualized because the president is a man of his word.
Dame Patience Jonathan, however, appealed to the wives of Governors to prevail on their husbands to ensure 35% women representation in their cabinets as a way of appreciating the support and sacrifices of the women during the elections.

The First Lady also stated that the problem of infant and maternal mortality, girl child education, free medical treatment for children with heart problems, women and child trafficking as well as child marriage are among issues being addressed by her non-governmental organizations, the A.Auera Reachout Foundation and the Women for Change and Development Initiative to alleviate the suffering of the less privileged in the society.
Earlier in her address, Architect Yemisi Suswam, who spoke on behalf of the Benue women expressed gratitude for the audience granted by the First Lady and the unflinching support Benue women enjoys from her.
She described Dame Patience Jonathan as “a strong personality and a beacon of hope for the Nigerian Women.” She congratulated the first family for the resounding success at the April poll which was adjudged the best ever in the history of Nigeria elections.
Mrs. Suswam also acknowledged the efforts of Nigeria First Lady towards wiping away tears from the downtrodden and tackling the plight of women, HIV/AIDS, and gender related problems through her NGOs. She however, lamented over the increasing wave of women trafficking and child labour in the country, urging the First Lady to take it up through her NGO.