ROYAL HONOUR FOR UN WOMEN CHIEF AS ABAJI LEADS FIGHT AGAINST HARMFUL PRACTICES

By Queen Kunde

The push to end harmful traditional practices and gender-based violence in the Federal Capital Territory received a major boost as the United Nations Women Country Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Beatrice Eyong, paid an advocacy visit to the Ona of Abaji, His Royal Majesty Adamu Baba Yunusa.

The royal father, who also chairs the FCT Traditional Council, used the occasion to reaffirm the commitment of traditional institutions to eliminating sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and all forms of discrimination against women and girls across communities in the FCT.

Speaking at the event, the Ona of Abaji commended Eyong for her dedication to improving the lives of women and girls, particularly at the grassroots level. He noted that despite her professional achievements and global exposure, she has remained humble and committed to vulnerable groups in society.

In recognition of her efforts, the monarch conferred on her the traditional title of Yar Amana FCT, followed by a colourful turbaning ceremony to seal the honour.

Accepting the title, Eyong expressed gratitude to the royal father and stakeholders championing gender equality. She pledged to intensify efforts toward building a just society where women and girls can thrive.

“The reward for hard work is to do more,” she said. “This recognition from the traditional institution is deeply meaningful. Our struggle for women’s inclusion begins at the grassroots, where harmful practices are most prevalent. If our collaboration with traditional rulers is gaining this level of recognition, then it means progress is being made. We will not relent until SGBV and all forms of gender discrimination are eliminated.”

Also present at the event was the Mandate Secretary of the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, Adedayo Benjamin Laniyi, who described the honour as well-deserved. She said the recognition represents a “unique collateral impact” in the fight for gender equity through traditional institutions.

Laniyi added that honouring a woman, a Christian, and a non-indigene in Abaji reflects the community’s growing reputation as a model for peaceful coexistence and inclusive development.

In her remarks, the Wife of the Ona of Abaji and President of the Association of Wives of FCT Traditional Rulers, Hauwa Ibrahim Adamu, said the honour did not come as a surprise. She noted that the impact of collaboration between traditional institutions and UN Women is visible across all 17 chiefdoms of the FCT.

She expressed optimism that the recognition would strengthen partnerships and attract more support to eliminate harmful practices and gender discrimination.

The event drew participants from the Cameroon Embassy, UN Women staff, women-led organisations, religious groups, market associations, adolescent groups, the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), and persons living with disabilities.

The highlight of the ceremony was the decoration of Eyong as Yar Amana FCT, marked by a symbolic horse-riding procession to welcome her into the traditional institution.