Aisha Buhari, the wife of Nigeria’s president Muhammadu Buhari, has formally announced her decision to be addressed as the first lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Hajia Buhari disclosed her new official title at the presentation of awards to the former and current wives of governors of the 36 states, at an event held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

This is coming five years after her husband, President Muhammadu Buhari said there would be no office of the first lady for his wife. Recall that during his first term Mrs. Buhari’s office has ‘office of the wife of the president.’

Hajia Buhari, however, said her new title would take effect immediately. She said this would also resolve the issue of the title of wives of governors.

“When my husband was elected newly I personally chose to be called the wife of the President.

“But, I realised that it causes confusion from the state as to whether the wives of state governors are to be addressed as the first ladies or wives of the governors.

“So, forgive me for confusing you from the beginning, but now I chose to be called the first lady,” she said.