First Lady Advocates for Rural Women's Empowerment in Abuja

At a symposium in Abuja on Wednesday to mark the 2026 International Rural Women’s Day, the First Lady, represented by Mrs Hilmary Aipoh, called for action to empower rural women. The event was organized by the Association of Wives of FCT Traditional Rulers (WOFCTTRA) in collaboration with the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, under 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 commended rural women for their resilience and contributions to national development, urging WOFCTTRA members to leverage their influence for practical action.

She highlighted the importance of traditional institutions in promoting social cohesion and called for increased engagement with market associations and women’s groups. Challenges cited included limited access to maternal healthcare and girls dropping out of school.

Hajiya Hauwa Adamu, President of WOFCTTRA, emphasized the need for stronger support for rural women and proposed initiatives to enhance their welfare across the FCT.