BY AHMED AKANBI
Former All Progressives Congress (APC) women leader in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Hilmary Aipoh, has said women farmers are vital to food security, economic growth and national development.
Aipoh spoke midweek in Abuja on the sidelines of the 2026 International Rural Women’s Day symposium organised by the Association of Wives of FCT Traditional Rulers in partnership with the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat.
She said rural women across the six area councils play critical roles in agriculture and grassroots development, and supporting them will boost livelihoods and food production.
Aipoh commended First Lady Oluremi Tinubu for empowering women farmers through grants and interventions, noting that her visits to farms across the FCT showed women’s huge contributions to agriculture.
”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 FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for creating the Women Affairs Secretariat, describing it as a platform that gives women a sense of belonging and opportunity to contribute to the territory’s development.
She acknowledged the roles of Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, and officials of the Secretariat in mobilising women at the grassroots.
According to her, women as good managers of homes and families deserve greater opportunities in public affairs and community development.
She urged women to actively participate in the 2027 general elections, expressed support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election and Senator Philip Aduda, and expressed optimism that ongoing infrastructure and human development projects in the FCT will improve living conditions.