Abuja: The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED), along with various stakeholders, have taken a firm stand in advocating for the sustained protection of the cultural identity, heritage, and rights of the Original Inhabitants of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). This call was underscored by the Executive Director of CHRICED, Ibrahim Zikirullahi, at the FCT Original Inhabitants Grand Cultural Rally held on Monday.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the rally was organized to commemorate the 2026 UN World Indigenous Peoples Day, a day observed annually on August 9 to raise awareness about the rights, cultures, and contributions of indigenous peoples globally. The 2026 theme, ‘Honouring Indigenous Midwives: Safeguarding Life and Well-being’, highlights the crucial role indigenous midwives play as health practitioners, cultural archivists, storytellers, and custodians of traditional knowledge.
Zikirullahi emphasized that as Abuja continues to grow into a modern capital, it is imperative that the identity of its Original Inhabitants remains intact and honored. He stressed that their languages, customs, land rights, and cultural expressions must be acknowledged and protected as part of national development.
In collaboration with the University of Abuja and other FCT Original Inhabitant organizations, and with support from the MacArthur Foundation, CHRICED is dedicated to amplifying indigenous voices. Zikirullahi revealed plans for the establishment of the Abuja Original Inhabitants Heritage Centre, a project aimed at preserving indigenous history and cultural memory. He called for financial and material support to ensure the project’s success.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Prof. Hakeem Fawehinmi, represented by Prof. Otoki Alanana, highlighted the significance of the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples in honoring indigenous cultures and promoting human rights. He emphasized the need for collective efforts to preserve indigenous cultures amidst inevitable change.
Dr. Kole Shettima, Africa Director of the MacArthur Foundation, represented by Amina Salihu, reiterated the foundation’s commitment to supporting initiatives that advance the rights of marginalized communities in Nigeria. He pointed out the structural barriers that impede the recognition of indigenous knowledge systems and called for their rights to be safeguarded.
The Agabe of Gwargwada, His Royal Highness Hussein Agabi, praised the MacArthur Foundation for its support and urged greater participation from political leaders in future celebrations. The event concluded with cultural performances and discussions on preserving the heritage and identity of the FCT’s Original Inhabitants.