In a book launch event held in Abuja, the outgoing First Lady of Nigeria, Mrs Aisha Buhari, advocated for certain privileges to be extended to the wives of the nation’s presidents after their husbands’ tenures. Mrs Buhari highlighted the importance of providing benefits such as vehicles, sponsored medical treatments, and stipends to former first ladies, emphasizing that they deserve these privileges both during and after their time in the presidential villa.
Speaking at the launch of the book titled ‘The Journey of a Military Wife,’ authored by Mrs Vickie Anwuli Irabor, the president of the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs Buhari stressed that the pressures faced by first ladies persist regardless of whether they are residing in the villa or not. Drawing attention to the existing pension package for ex-presidents, which includes a salary drawn until their death, Mrs Buhari argued that the same considerations should be given to former first ladies.
Commending Mrs Irabor for her factual and emotional book that provides guidance for military wives, Mrs Buhari underscored the vital role of women as agents of stability for the nation, particularly in times of insurgency and security challenges. She also expressed the importance of supporting military widows and highlighted how insights from the book can help readers understand the unique challenges faced by military families.
Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State praised Mrs Irabor’s book, recognizing its potential to promote national development. Meanwhile, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, commended Mrs Irabor for shedding light on the experiences of military families, noting that the book would contribute to the formulation of a policy document on the welfare of military families. Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, speaking on behalf of the service chiefs, applauded the author for providing a valuable guide and reference for military wives.
Former Chiefs of Army Staff, General Alexander Ogomudia and Lieutenant-General Tukur Buratai, expressed their pride in Mrs Irabor’s book and its contribution to military families. Mrs Maryam Abacha, a former First Lady, praised Mrs Irabor’s efforts and called for increased cooperation among military families, reflecting on her own experiences as a military wife.
In conclusion, Senator Daisy Danjuma, the chairperson of the occasion, shared insights into the lives of military wives and the experiences of military officers. Mrs Irabor, in her speech, hailed the military wife as an unsung heroine, emphasizing their significant role in supporting their spouses’ careers and safeguarding the nation.
Note: The original article was rewritten to avoid plagiarism, and the headline was created to capture the essence of the news.