Abuja:First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, has urged for concrete actions and inclusive policies to enhance the welfare of rural women nationwide. Her appeal was made during a symposium organized by the Association of Wives of FCT Traditional Rulers (WOFCTTRA) to mark the 2026 International Rural Women’s Day.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the symposium, held in collaboration with the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, focused on the theme ‘Harnessing the Influence of Wives of Traditional Rulers to Advance Gender Equity, Peacebuilding, and Sustainable Community Development in Rural Communities of FCT.’ The First Lady, represented by Mrs. Hilmary Aipoh, encouraged WOFCTTRA to convert their influence into actionable progress to foster an inclusive and thriving environment in the FCT.
Tinubu emphasized the critical roles rural women play in society and highlighted their challenges, including barriers to education, healthcare, and financial access. She called for increased opportunities and protections for these women, urging royal wives to leverage their positions to address local challenges and promote community peace.
Hajiya Hauwa Adamu, President of WOFCTTRA, underscored the importance of rural women in national development and advocated for rural welfare initiatives. She proposed the establishment of Rural Women Safe Motherhood Clubs and a Palace-Based Peacebuilding Network to address gender-based issues and promote community mediation.
Hajiya Asmau Mukhtar, Permanent Secretary of the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, reaffirmed FCTA’s commitment to advancing the welfare and economic empowerment of rural women. Additionally, Dr. Jumai Ahmadu of the Helpline Social Support Initiative called for grassroots development efforts to promote gender equality and peace.