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John Manzongo Herald Reporter
ZIMBABWEANS have been urged to respect women and the girl child as they are the backbone of most homes. Addressing delegates to the fourth edition of the Commander Defence Forces Golf and Fundraising dinner in Harare on Saturday, Nigerian Chief of Defence Staff Major General Okon Etim Ekanem praised Mrs Marry Chiwenga, wife of Defence Forces Commander General Dr Constantine Chiwenga for empowering women.

“Women must be cherished and respected as they are the roots and backbone of every home, of course with the support of fathers. I want to applaud Musha Mukadzi Foundation and specifically the chairperson Mrs Marry Chiwenga for spearheading such an effort,” Maj Gen Ekanem said.

“There is need to sensitise people on the importance of supporting underprivileged members of society in difficult times and to all sponsors, please remain committed to your efforts of donating,” he said. Gen Dr Chiwenga said the foundation sought to empower Zimbabwean women, both civilian and in the military and that efforts by his wife Marry were in line with ZIM-ASSET.

He said Zimbabwe and Nigeria share a history dating back to the days of the liberation struggle. “We share a lot with Nigeria. During the liberation struggle, President Mugabe and Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa went to Nigeria and received $50 million, which was to cater for refugees and this assistance made sure we gained independence,” he said.

“After independence Nigeria was the first country to train Zimbabwean army and air force cadets and some of their products are Lieutenant-General Mike Nyambuya (retired), Brigadier-General Thomas Moyo and Air Commodore Innocent Chiganze among others and today we also have their students at National Defence College,” he said. The golf tournament and dinner were attended by Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Generals from South Africa, Botswana and Lesotho.