The engagement was intended to provide firsthand insight into the challenges confronting the women and identify practical ways to improve their economic conditions
By Mmesoma Onwuka
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called for increased investment in rural women, warning that economic hardship and inadequate access to essential resources continue to undermine their livelihoods and contributions to national development.
Obi made the call on October 15, the International Day of Rural Women, after visiting members of the Akpu Sellers Association at their markets in Sheda and Sheda Galadima, in Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
He said the engagement was intended to provide firsthand insight into the challenges confronting the women and identify practical ways to improve their economic conditions.
During the interaction, the traders reportedly highlighted declining customer patronage, worsening economic pressures, inadequate water supply and limited access to microcredit to sustain and expand their businesses.
Obi reaffirmed his commitment to supporting rural women, noting that empowering them economically was essential to reducing poverty and improving living standards across communities.
He also recognised the contributions of millions of rural women who cultivate crops, produce food, engage in small-scale trading, care for their families and sustain local economies despite difficult circumstances.
According to him, many of these women continue to contend with insecurity, rising poverty, limited access to affordable financing and inadequate healthcare, leaving them vulnerable to economic shocks.
He expressed concern that rural women, despite their importance to food security and economic development, often receive insufficient attention in government policies and programmes.
He argued that addressing their challenges would require deliberate investment in rural infrastructure, improved access to credit and healthcare, and policies that enable women-owned businesses to thrive.
Obi also blamed poor policy decisions, incompetence and the mismanagement of public resources for worsening the economic difficulties experienced by Nigerians, particularly women and other vulnerable groups.
He stressed that effective leadership must prioritise the welfare of citizens and ensure that national resources are deployed to improve livelihoods, create opportunities and reduce inequality.
Obi said his visit to the Akpu sellers reflected his commitment to a Nigeria where rural communities receive adequate investment and women have opportunities to succeed irrespective of their location or economic background.
He maintained that supporting rural women was not merely a social responsibility but also an important step towards strengthening food production, expanding small businesses and promoting inclusive economic growth.
The former presidential candidate expressed optimism that Nigeria could achieve a better future through responsible leadership, effective resource management and sustained investment in the people.