It is expected to be an edifice for
peace and conflict resolution in 12 months when it is projected to be
completed.
However, the foundation for the
African First Ladies Peace Centre was laid in the midst of intense security
measures and controversy in Abuja on Wednesday by President Goodluck Jonathan’s
wife, Patience.
The atmosphere was enlivened by songs
in praise of the President’s wife by scores of women dressed in resplendent
white as well as traditional dancers from different parts of the country.
The venue of the foundation laying
ceremony was the prime land situated between the Federal Secretariat and
Izon Wari, the Bayelsa State House, which had originally been allocated to
non-governmental organisation, the Women and Youth Empowerment Foundation,
belonging to former First Lady, Hajia Turai Yar’Adua.
The Board of Trustees of WYEF had
approached an Abuja court to challenge the revocation of the 18,000 square
metre land and reallocation of the same to African First Ladies Peace Mission
chaired by Mrs. Jonathan.
Although, the Attorney General of the
Federation and Minister of Justice had requested for out-of-court settlement of
the dispute, the conflict was yet to be settled before the foundation for the
seven-storey edifice was laid on Wednesday.
As the first ladies approached the
venue of the programme, Abuja Market Women led by Chief Felicia Sani, burst
into Igbo songs in praise of the First
Lady: Ahia oma n’ere onwe ya; Mama Patience, Ahia oma n’ere onwe ya; Anaghi
ekwe ya onu (meaning:
Good product that sells itself; Mother Patience, good product that sells
itself; The price is not subject to negotiation).
As Patience made her way to the
podium, the market women greeted her with two more songs: Patience, na you we know; Patience, na you we know;
any other president, na them sabi; any other president, na them sabi.
In her short speech, the Nigeria’s
First Lady said African ladies received with shock and sadness the death of the
President of Ghana and the husband of one of their colleagues (Mrs. Ernestina
Mills), Mr. John Mills.
She thanked the government and people
of Nigeria for their generosity in allocating the land for the construction of
the headquarters of the African First Ladies Peace Mission.
She said, “This foundation laying
ceremony is a follow up to our commitment to lay solid foundation for our
organisation.
“We have demonstrated that we are
committed to achieving lasting peace in our continent. We shall build a
befitting structure for our mission.”