I warmly welcome you all to this foundation laying ceremony of the permanent secretariat of the African First Ladies Peace Mission.
Earlier today, the interim secretariat of the Mission was commissioned.
This ceremony therefore, is a follow-up to our effort to build a solid foundation for our organization.
Let me assure you that Nigeria remains proud to host the Secretariat of this organization in our capital city of Abuja. We thank you my dear colleagues for giving us this honour.
As friends from different parts of our continent, we have kept hope alive by this event. We have also demonstrated that we are committed to achieving lasting peace in our continent.
On this foundation stone, we shall build a befitting structure as the Secretariat of our Mission. Here we shall assemble to discuss and resolve pressing issues on peace, security and development in Africa.
I appeal to you my dear sisters that this Secretariat belongs to all of us, the First Ladies of Africa. We must therefore, work hard to ensure its completion.
I will like to use this opportunity to thank the Government and people of Nigeria for their generosity and goodwill, in providing this land for our Secretariat project.
Similarly, I commend the sacrifices and efforts of the founding members of the African First Ladies Peace Mission in ensuring that this organization has continued to survive, in spite of several challenges.
Your Excellencies, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, I now have the pleasure to invite the First Ladies of Africa here present to join me as we lay the foundation of the Permanent Secretariat of the African First Ladies Peace Mission and plant trees to commemorate this event.
Thank you and God bless you all.
