Chantal Biya-Aisha Buhari: Coming together for humankind

The first official encounter between both First Ladies has laid the solid base to assure the future of women and children in Cameroon and Nigeria.

It was their first official encounter, but their vision and passion for humanity created the necessary force for compatibility which will give birth to future collaboration for the benefits of their people. This best describes the meeting that took place between Cameroon’s First Lady, Mrs Chantal Biya and the Wife of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mrs Aisha Muhammadu Buhari, during Mrs Biya’ stay in Abuja as she accompanied her husband, President Paul Biya for an official visit to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Mrs Chantal Biya’s trip to Nigeria was a fruitful one as she encountered Mrs Buhari, another woman and First Lady, who shares the same vision like her, for women and children in the continent of Africa. Kisses, smiles, embraces and exchange of gifts that took place between Chantal Biya and Aisha Buhari clearly revealed the deep similarity of compassion both First Ladies have towards the most vulnerable people in the society, particularly women and children.

From all indication, the Wife of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria had not just met another woman of her caliber, but also someone whom she believed she could collaborate with, in addressing issues that concern the development and health of women and children in Nigeria and Cameroon.

This is definitely why after few minutes of getting together; Mrs Aisha Muhammadu Buhari began talking on how she can partner with Mrs Biya so as to enhance the activities of their respected Foundations which are greatly involved in charitable activities. As wives of leaders, Mrs Buhari said “our humanitarian service is like bridging the gap between the government and the people of the country. We do not have any constitutional role to play but our assistance will enhance the activities of the government.’’

Mrs Buhari told Mrs Chantal Biya how she had been working hard to build her pet project, “Future Assured’’, with the help of governors’ wives and associates. She explained that the pet project is aimed at improving the health of women and children in Nigeria.

There is no doubt that the encounter between Mrs Buhari and Mrs Biya will create an enormous impact in the lives of Cameroonian and Nigerian children and women in the nearest future. At the moment, one can say Mrs Buhari has just met the best partner for her humanitarian activities given the international impact Mrs Chantal Biya has created in the humanitarian domain.

For two-decades, the humanitarian commitments of Cameroon’s First Lady have made a great impact on the lives of women and children in Cameroon and Africa in general. Such actions have earned Mrs Biya international recognitions amongst which are UNESCO’s Goodwill Ambassador for Education and Social Inclusion as well as UNAIDS Special Ambassador.

Through the Chantal Biya Foundation, African Synergy for AIDS and Suffering and the Circle of Friends of Cameroon, Cameroon’s First Lady has used her vision and influence to improve the health situation of children and mothers as well as the living conditions of the most vulnerable group of people in the society (women and children).

There is no doubt that Mrs Biya’s meeting with Mrs Aisha Buhari will soon give birth to projects that will change the health and living conditions of women and children in Nigeria and Cameroon.