The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi Thursday 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 mark the International Day of Rural Women.
Obi, who interacted with the traders during his visit said the women spoke about the harsh economic realities affecting their businesses, including low patronage, lack of access to microcredit, and inadequate water supply.
The traders appealed for financial support to sustain their businesses and improve their livelihoods.
Speaking after the engagement, Obi said rural women remained the backbone of food production, family support and local economies, yet face poverty, insecurity, limited access to credit and poor healthcare.
He noted empowering rural women and investing in their enterprises would be central to any poverty reduction and economic inclusion plan.
Obi called for increased investment in rural communities, adding that women should have equal access to resources and opportunities to thrive, irrespective of their location.