A former All Progressives Congress (APC) women leader in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Hilmary Aipoh, has called for sustained investment in rural women, highlighting their contributions to food security, economic growth and community development.
Aipoh made the call in Abuja on Wednesday on the sidelines of a symposium marking the 2026 International Rural Women’s Day, organised by the Association of Wives of FCT Traditional Rulers in partnership with the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat.
She said women across the FCT’s six area councils played important roles in agricultural production and grassroots development, adding that greater support would help improve their livelihoods and strengthen local food systems.
Aipoh commended the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for supporting women farmers through grants and other empowerment initiatives.
She said such interventions could help women expand their farming activities, improve household incomes and contribute more effectively to food production.
“Women are trying their best, especially FCT women, who are actively involved in farming. Agriculture is very key to each and every one of us,” she said.
Aipoh also highlighted the role of the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat in mobilising women across communities and area councils, describing it as an avenue for promoting inclusion and expanding their participation in development programmes.
She acknowledged the contributions of the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, and officials of the secretariat to grassroots mobilisation and women’s empowerment.
According to her, recognising women’s contributions to agriculture and family welfare should go hand in hand with creating more opportunities for them to participate in public life and decision-making.
The former APC women leader urged women to participate actively in the 2027 general elections, stressing the importance of civic engagement in shaping the country’s future.
She also expressed support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid and urged women to support Senator Philip Aduda and other political candidates she favoured.
Aipoh expressed optimism that continued investment in infrastructure and human development in the FCT would improve residents’ living conditions.
She stressed that empowering rural women through agricultural support, economic opportunities and greater participation in governance would contribute to more inclusive and sustainable national development.
