Abuja: The National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) has successfully trained 130 indigenous women from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in conflict prevention and peace-building skills to enhance grassroots leadership and social cohesion. The comprehensive capacity-building workshop, held in Abuja, was titled ‘Empowering FCT Indigenous Women as Agents of Peace.’
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Director-General of NILDS, Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, emphasized that the initiative aims to empower women in preventing conflicts, managing disputes, and promoting peace at the community level. Sulaiman noted that women play a central role in nation-building as caregivers, educators, community leaders, and peacemakers.
The workshop gathered women from various indigenous ethnic groups, including Gbagyi, Gbari, Amwamwa, Bassa, Egbira, Gade, Ganagana, Gwandara, and Koro, acknowledging their longstanding contributions to family and community cohesion. Sulaiman highlighted that these women influence governance, mediate conflicts, and ensure social stability beyond their traditional roles at home.
Sulaiman pointed out the exclusion of women from formal decision-making platforms. The workshop aimed to address this gap by equipping over 130 indigenous women from all area councils within the FCT with modern mediation techniques, culturally grounded conflict resolution strategies, and leadership skills. The goal is to empower them to take active roles in sustaining peace and building sustainable communities.
He stressed the importance of recognizing the Federal Capital Territory’s ethnic and cultural diversity as a source of strength. The workshop empowered women to mitigate election-related disputes, promote social harmony, and influence policy at the local level by utilizing their unique perspectives and leadership skills.
Sulaiman expressed hope that the skills learned would lead to tangible impacts such as reduced election-related conflicts, increased women’s representation, and stronger community-led peace initiatives. With the Abuja 2026 local government elections approaching, the knowledge and strategies shared at the workshop are expected to help communities reduce tensions, strengthen social cohesion, and create safer neighborhoods.
Further, Sulaiman emphasized that the women participants are not only learners but also leaders, mediators, and advocates for positive change. He urged them to embrace and apply the knowledge gained in their communities.
The workshop serves as a strategic intervention supporting Nigeria’s National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security (NAP-WPS) and aligns with Sustainable Development Goals 5, 11, and 16, as well as efforts to increase female participation in governance and peace-building.