Yoruba in Abuja Launch Forum for Tinubu, Empower 50 Market Women
By Ogefila Bayo Adewale
The Yoruba community in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Thursday inaugurated the Yoruba Forum for Asiwaju (YFFA), a grassroots political movement aimed at mobilising support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.
The colourful event, held at the Central Business District, Abuja, attracted participants from the 62 wards and six Area Councils of the FCT, alongside political leaders, traditional rulers, professionals, artisans, market women and youth groups.
The ceremony began with Christian, Muslim and traditional prayers, reflecting the Yoruba people’s culture of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
Speaking at the event, the Convener and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagements (North Central), Hon. Dr. Chief Mrs. Abiodun Essiet, said the Forum would serve as a platform to deepen grassroots mobilisation and encourage active participation in the democratic process. She noted that many Yoruba residents had obtained their Permanent Voter Cards in preparation for the 2027 elections.
Chairman of the Planning Committee, Dr. Michael Tomori, described the inauguration as the beginning of a united movement for the Yoruba community in the FCT.
The FCT Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Tanko Ishaku Yamawo, praised the massive turnout, promising the party’s collaboration with the Forum, while the APC FCT Women Leader, Hajiya Farida Odengi, commended the initiative and urged women to remain active in politics.
A major highlight of the programme was the empowerment of 50 market women with ₦50,000 each to support their businesses.
The Forum also inaugurated coordinators for Abuja North, Abuja South, the six Area Councils and the 62 political wards, presenting them with certificates of appointment.
In addition, the Convener announced a ₦5 million donation to the FCT Renewed Hope Ambassadors. Receiving the donation, the Coordinator of the group and former AMAC Chairman, Hon. Abdullahi Adamu Candido, expressed appreciation and pledged continued grassroots mobilisation.
Representatives of the Yoruba Council of Elders and the coordinators also delivered goodwill messages, with Hon. Ismaila Olayiwola, Councillor representing Kutunku Ward in Gwagwalada Area Council, speaking on behalf of the newly inaugurated coordinators.
The event ended with a renewed commitment by participants to unity, grassroots engagement and support for the Renewed Hope Agenda.
