A new initiative has been launched to train 150 indigenous women from the Federal Capital Territory in conflict management and peacebuilding ahead of the 2026 Area Council elections.
The one-day workshop in Abuja, themed “Empowering FCT Indigenous Women as Agents of Peace,” was organised by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) in partnership with UN Women and the Research Centre for Advocacy & Policy Advisory in Africa (ReCAP Africa).
Participants, drawn from all six FCT area councils, received training in mediation and grassroots peacebuilding. Organisers said the women are expected to serve as community-based mediators during the elections.
Minister of Women Affairs Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, represented by Princess Jummai Idonije, described the programme as an investment in Nigeria’s democratic future. NILDS Director-General Professor Abubakar Sulaimon said equipping women with mediation skills would strengthen local democracy and reduce tensions.
ReCAP Africa’s Executive Director, Sylvester Nandi-Esom, stated that plans are in place to expand the scheme nationwide by 2027 and to the wider ECOWAS region by 2030.
Stakeholders, including UN Women, noted that the initiative demonstrates how women can play a more significant role in sustaining peace and promoting inclusive governance.
