Former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, has commended the Armed Forces of Nigeria for increased enlistment of female combatants into the military.
Jonathan gave the commendation at the 2024 Annual Defence Headquarters Gender Conference on Thursday, in Abuja.
Jonathan was at the conference as Chief Launcher of the Armed Forces Gender Magazine.
She said the theme of the conference, “Mainstreaming Women, Peace and Security Agenda for Enhanced Operational Efficiency of the Armed Forces” was appropriate given the many security threats worldwide.
According to her, the growing involvement of women in peacekeeping operations brings to fulfilment the age-long dream of Nigerian women of being accorded due recognition.
“Few years ago, it was unheard of to find female combatants in the Nigerian armed forces as their involvement was restricted by legislation.
“But following a policy reversal in 2011 during the tenure of my beloved husband, his Excellency Dr Goodluck Jonathan, as president, women can now be admitted into the Nigerian Defence Academy to train as combatants.
“This was in line with the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 mandating countries to develop their own action plans to identify, evaluate and control efforts to achieve genius of women, peace and security.
“It is noteworthy that presently several women have been enlisted as combatants in the army, navy and air force, with many of them joining their male counterparts for peacekeeping operations in troubled spots across the globe. This is commendable.
