By Daniel Tyokua
Wives of former presidents, wive of Shettima and other strategic leaders in the country are going to converge on Abuja to deepen discussions on addressing leadership challenges and encourage more women participation in politics.
The two-day event put together by Focus Africa slated for November, 2024 is expected to hold at Shehu Musa Yar’adua centre, which will bring about exhibition, cultural show and award night with the theme, ‘Creating partnership that work in Africa
In a statement issued by the President, Focus Africa Series, Ambassador Succex Ibeh over the weekend, said the group is a storytelling organization, appointed by the United Nations Gender Priority Strategy unit for Africa, with presence in 29 countries across the continent.
According to the statement, the conference is expected to bring together renowned personalities including present and former first ladies to chart way repositioning issues for a better society.
The colours of Africa programme would bring former first lady, Hajiya Turai Musa Yar’Adua, wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, wife of the Senate President, Dr. Uloma Akpabio, Amb. J. Sylva among others
It explained that the outfit also hosts periodic conferences, trade exhibitions and targeted advocacy programmes which turns the spotlight on women and the African continent.
He stated that the Abuja Colours of Africa festival will feature many events such as exhibitions of African cultural activities, dances and artifact shows to be followed by the Global Youth Conference and the Decade of Significance Award event on the 2nd of November, 2024.
According to the organisers, discussions at the conference will focus on the wellbeing of men and women in business, leadership and governance, global trends in politics and business, climate change issues, advances in technology, agriculture and manufacturing.
The major objective of the Abuja Colours of Africa Festival, the organisers said, include to raise awareness among participants on the likely positive influence of women on good governance, politics and the rule of law.
Delegates will also look at how to help Nigeria improve on the ease of doing business, debate conflict resolution strategies within border regions and issues of advocacy and lobbying within and outside government circles, among others.
The event will also host delegates from around the world as many participants from the USA, United Kingdom, Jamaica, Kenya, Burundi, Sierra Leone, Ghana and many other countries have confirmed their arrival.
“Confirmed special guests, speakers and panellists include Barrister (Mrs) Chioma Uzodinma, wife of Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, Dr. Amb. Foluke Abdulrazaq, Rev. Mrs. Otu Eyoanwan Bassey, Dr. Mrs. Amaba Sam-Ogbuku, Dr. Mrs. Linda Ayade, Dr. Maniya Mohmoud Bamure, Hon Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, Mrs. Yemisi Suswam, Mrs. Bagudu, Mrs. Kafilat Araoye, MD Lotus Bank, and Eric Chinje, ex-Communication Director of the World Bank.
Others are Dr. Liman Ibrahim former CG, Federal Fire Service, Dr. Deepika, SInari Daranijo, His Royal Majesty, Prof. Promise Onyenche, Hon Fatmata Sawanneh, Dr. Elizabeth Yuwun, Dr. Uphie Chinje, Hajiya Mariam Salihu, Dr. Folashade Arike, Mitchelle Mhlanga, Mphoentle Keitseng, Ange Carine, Sharon gitonga, Thabisile Ncube and many others.
The organisers hope to use the event to appoint a United Nations Gender Priority Strategy Ambassador, (GEPSA) to help create and drive a global movement that would educate, train, advocate and enact action on policy, education, advocacy and research on human priorities as it affects the female gender from the grassroots.
“Focus Africa Series drives, supports and promotes the agenda of the UN Women, the Commission on Status of Women and other multifaceted issues affecting and hindering the overall integrity of women for the purpose of advocacy.
“The event will hold with an exhibition and will be concluded with the Colours of Africa festival on 2nd November to celebrate Focus Africa 7th year anniversary. “Features will include: diverse cultural troupe dance. award recognition to global leaders and change makers, treasure hunt, trade show, panel discussions, interactive sessions and lots more.”
