Former Nigerian First Lady, Dame (Dr.) Patience Jonathan has been decorated with the Global Women’s Peace Ambassador Award by the Women’s Federation for World Peace International (WFWPI), a global organisation promoting peace and women’s empowerment with offices across the world.
WFWPI International President, Mrs. Moriko Hori, who conferred the honour on Mrs Jonathan and other awardees, including serving and former First Ladies from across the world, at a ceremony in Seoul, South Korea, stated that it was in recognition of her work towards promoting peace, advocating for women’s rights as well as her remarkable service to humanity.
In her acceptance speech, Mrs. Jonathan pledged to continue advocating for women’s rights, peace building, and social justice, even as she called on others to join the noble cause.
Describing the award as “a reminder that our work is far from over”, she vowed to continue advocating for women’s rights, peace building, and social justice, even as she called on others to join the noble cause.
“This award is not just recognition of my work; it is a call to action. I accept it with a renewed commitment to serve as a beacon of hope and a catalyst for positive change.”
She stated further: “As a former First Lady, I have had the privilege of championing initiatives that uplift the most vulnerable members of our society, particularly women and children. Through my philanthropic work, I witnessed firsthand the transformative power of education.
“I am deeply humbled to receive this prestigious Global Women Peace Ambassador Award. I accept this honour, not just as a personal recognition, but as a testament to the tireless efforts of countless women and men who have worked alongside me to promote peace, empowerment, and development in Nigeria and beyond.”
She further thanked her family for their unwavering support, “particularly my children and lovely husband His Excellency Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who has been with me through thick and thin.”
She also expressed her gratitude to Nigerian women and particularly thanked the “First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Her Excellency Senator Oluremi Tinubu who has been a great source of encouragement.” Again, I most warmly appreciate my fellow Africans especially African Women for their unending sacrifices in building peaceful and progressive societies
Speaking further, Mrs. Jonathan commended the organisers recognizing the invaluable contributions of women in peace building and pledged to “continue to push boundaries, challenge stereotypes, and foster inclusive communities where every individual could thrive.”
Chris Okeke
Media Adviser to H.E. Dame (Dr) Patience Jonathan
First Lady, Federal Republic of Nigeria (2010-20150
