Abuja — Women and children in the war torn Democratic Republic of Congo have received relief materials from Defence and Police Officers' Wives Association (DEPOWA) through the office of the First Lady.

The wife of the Nigerian president, who is also the Chairperson of the African First Ladies Peace Mission, Hajiya Turai Umar Yar'Adua, has earlier launched an appeal for donations to women and children in war ravaged areas.

Mrs.Yar'Adua called on philanthropists to help people in warring societies especially those of Democratic Republic of Congo.

She made known that plans are on the way for her to visit warring countries in Africa, but DRC would be the first country to be visited.

The donated goods would be sent to appeal fund in Kenya, which was set up by African First Ladies, to give succour to people in upturned countries.

Hajia Turai refuted claims of sectionalism in the distribution of relief materials she sent to the displaced persons in Jos, Plateau State.

She said, as the mother of the nation, it was her responsibility to see to the plight of internally displaced persons in the country, regardless of their creed or culture.

Mrs. Yar'Adua further reiterated that the gesture was independently carried out by her Non Governmental Organisation; Women and Youth Empowerment Foundation (WAYEF).

Earlier, the President of DEPOWA, Mrs. Folashade Paul Dike, who led the delegation, said the donation was in response to the First Lady's plea.

She stated that they are always ready to work in collaboration with the First Lady to alleviate sufferings of women and children.

List of items donated by DEPOWA are: beverages, toiletries, cloths, blankets and mats among others.