PETER OBI MEETS RURAL WOMEN IN FCT, HEARS CONCERNS OVER ECONOMIC HARDSHIP AND POOR WATER SUPPLY

By NaijaParrot October 15, 2026 

 KWALI, FCT — The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has met with members of the Akpu Sellers Association at Sheda and Sheda Galadima markets in Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to commemorate the International Day of Rural Women. During the visit on Thursday, October 15, Obi listened to the women’s concerns about worsening economic hardship, declining customer patronage, inadequate water supply and limited access to microcredit needed to sustain and expand their businesses.

The engagement provided an opportunity for the women, who earn their livelihoods through cassava processing and the production and sale of akpu, to discuss the daily challenges affecting their work and household incomes. According to Obi, the concerns raised by the women reflect some of the difficulties confronting rural entrepreneurs, particularly those whose businesses depend on labour-intensive food processing and reliable access to basic infrastructure. 

 In a statement following the visit, Obi said supporting rural women and their businesses would be a priority for his proposed government. He argued that women in rural communities make important contributions to food production, family welfare and local economic activity but often face barriers to finance, healthcare, infrastructure and other essential services. 

 The former Anambra State governor also criticised what he described as poor government policies and the mismanagement of national resources, which he said had contributed to the economic pressures facing Nigerians. Obi maintained that empowering rural women would be important to his stated objective of reducing poverty and creating economic opportunities across the country. 

 The concerns raised during the meeting included inadequate water supply, which is particularly important for women involved in cassava processing, as well as the difficulty of attracting customers amid rising living costs. Limited access to microcredit was another major concern, as affordable financing can help small-scale traders and processors purchase raw materials, maintain production and invest in their businesses.  

The challenges are significant for women whose income depends on daily sales and whose operating costs can be affected by transportation expenses, equipment needs and access to essential services. The Akpu Sellers Association operates within a community where cassava processing provides livelihoods for numerous women. In June 2026, a mechanised cassava-processing facility was inaugurated in the area through a partnership involving development organisations and government institutions to improve productivity and economic opportunities for rural women. 

  The International Day of Rural Women, observed annually on October 15, recognises the contributions of rural women to agriculture, food security, family welfare and community development. The occasion also draws attention to challenges such as poverty, inadequate infrastructure, limited access to finance and unequal economic opportunities. Obi’s visit placed these concerns at the centre of his engagement with the women, who shared their experiences and called attention to the practical support needed to sustain their businesses. 

 The meeting between Peter Obi and the Akpu Sellers Association has highlighted the economic and infrastructure challenges facing rural women in Sheda and Sheda Galadima. Their concerns over hardship, declining patronage, water supply and access to credit underline the importance of practical interventions that can improve productivity and strengthen small businesses. While Obi has expressed a commitment to supporting rural women, the long-term impact will depend on the policies, funding and implementation measures adopted to address the challenges they face. NaijaParrot will continue to report verified developments concerning rural livelihoods, economic empowerment and initiatives affecting communities across Nigeria. 

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