FCT women farmers key to national development, says ex-APC women leader

By Daniel Tyokua

A former All Progressives Congress (APC) women leader in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Hilmary Aipoh, has described grassroots women as critical partners in Nigeria’s agricultural development, economic growth and political participation.

Aipoh said women, particularly those in rural communities across the six area councils of the FCT, were making significant contributions to food production and community development, stressing the need to sustain initiatives that support their activities.

She stated this on Wednesday in Abuja at the sideline of the 2026 international rural women’s day symposium organised by Association of Wives of FCT Traditional Rulers in partnership with FCT women Affairs Secretariat

Aipoh commended the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for championing women’s empowerment in agriculture through grants and other support for female farmers.

According to her, visits to farms across the FCT showed the impact of interventions aimed at improving women’s agricultural activities and livelihoods.

“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 praised the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, for establishing the Women Affairs Secretariat, describing it as an important platform for promoting women’s development and giving them a stronger voice in the administration of the territory.

She said the secretariat had helped bring women together across communities and area councils, providing opportunities for engagement and participation in development programmes.

She also acknowledged the contributions of the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, and officials of the secretariat towards mobilising women and strengthening their involvement in grassroots activities.

“Women are good managers of their homes and families. The minister has done well by creating the Women Affairs Secretariat, which gives women a sense of belonging and an opportunity to contribute to the development of the FCT,” Aipoh said.

The former APC women leader noted that grassroots women remained influential in community mobilisation and civic participation, urging them to take an active role in the electoral process.

She called on women across the country to participate in the 2027 general elections, while expressing support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.

Aipoh also urged women to support Senator Philip Aduda and other candidates she identified as part of the political leadership they wanted to see emerge in the next electoral cycle.

She expressed confidence that the ongoing infrastructure projects and attention to human development in the FCT would improve living conditions for residents.

Aipoh said continued engagement with women at the grassroots level would be essential to achieving inclusive development, adding that women should be recognised not only for their roles in agriculture and family management but also for their contributions to governance and national progress.

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