HSSI Urges States to Strengthen Support for Rural Women

 

By Atlantic Reports

Helpline Social Support Initiative (HSSI) has called for associations of traditional rulers’ wives to be established across Nigeria, saying they can help strengthen support for women and girls in rural communities.

HSSI President, Dr Jumai Ahmadu, made the call through the organisation’s Programme Officer, Mrs Amina Omale, at a symposium in Abuja on Wednesday to commemorate the 2026 International Rural Women’s Day.

The event was organised by the Association of Wives of FCT Traditional Rulers (WOFCTTRA), in collaboration with the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat.

Ahmadu described traditional rulers’ wives as a vital link between rural communities and institutions, particularly where women and girls face persistent challenges.

“The association is the voice of peace and the safety net for women and girls when faced with continuous challenges,” she said.

“Therefore, it is important for us to have such associations in all rural areas of Nigeria.”

A Call for Grassroots Support

Ahmadu said meaningful national development must begin at community level. She urged other states to adopt the association’s model to promote gender equality, peacebuilding and grassroots development.

She credited WOFCTTRA with supporting initiatives aimed at empowering rural women in the Federal Capital Territory and said the association was established with support from former FCT Minister of State, Hajiya Ramatu Aliyu.

However, the account did not provide beneficiary figures or outcome data to measure the association’s reported impact.

Ahmadu reaffirmed HSSI’s commitment to gender equality, peacebuilding and sustainable community development across rural communities in the FCT.

Association Highlights Institutional Backing

WOFCTTRA President and Queen of Abaji Chiefdom, Hajiya Hauwa Adamu, credited Aliyu with helping develop the association from an initial concept into an established organisation.

She also acknowledged Ahmadu’s mentoring and organisational support.

Adamu said Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, Director-General of the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development and pioneer Mandate Secretary of the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, provided the association with its first office.

According to Adamu, Benjamins-Laniyi also facilitated connections with the UN House in Abuja and enabled the association’s participation in the Commission on the Status of Women in New York.

Adamu further acknowledged First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the association’s Grand Matron. She said the Renewed Hope Initiative had provided rural women with support including grinding machines, agricultural inputs and educational scholarships.

The account did not specify the number of recipients, the value of the assistance or how beneficiaries were selected.

HSSI’s call places community networks at the centre of efforts to reach rural women. Replicating the model across states would require clear responsibilities, sustained resources and evidence that support reaches the women and girls it is intended to serve.

Atlantic Reports: Voices. People. Facts.