By StarhavenTV Reporter
The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) and other stakeholders have called for greater protection of the cultural identity, heritage and rights of the Original Inhabitants of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The Executive Director of CHRICED, Ibrahim Zikirullahi, made the call at the FCT Original Inhabitants Grand Cultural Rally held in Abuja to commemorate the 2026 United Nations World Indigenous Peoples Day.
The 2026 celebration, observed annually on August 9, was held under the theme, “Honouring Indigenous Midwives: Safeguarding Life and Well-being.”
Zikirullahi said the occasion provided an opportunity to recognise the role of indigenous communities as custodians of cultural identity, heritage and traditional knowledge.
He stressed the need to ensure that the languages, customs, land rights and cultural expressions of the FCT’s Original Inhabitants were recognised and protected as Abuja continues to develop as a modern capital city.
He described indigenous midwives as more than healthcare providers, noting that they also preserve traditional knowledge and cultural practices passed down through generations.
According to him, CHRICED, in collaboration with the University of Abuja and organisations representing FCT Original Inhabitants, would continue working to amplify indigenous voices and promote greater civic participation.
Zikirullahi also announced plans for the establishment of the proposed Abuja Original Inhabitants Heritage Centre, with construction expected to begin soon.
He said the centre would help preserve the history and cultural memory of Abuja’s Original Inhabitants, support research and provide future generations with opportunities to learn about their heritage.
He appealed to individuals, organisations and other stakeholders to provide financial and material support towards the realisation of the project.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Prof. Hakeem Fawehinmi, represented by the Director of the university’s Academic Planning Unit, Prof. Otoki Alanana, said the annual celebration was an opportunity to promote indigenous cultures and the rights of indigenous peoples.
Fawehinmi said indigenous communities had also contributed significantly to environmental protection and the preservation of global cultural diversity.
He acknowledged that cultural change was inevitable but stressed the importance of concerted efforts to prevent the loss of indigenous traditions.
Also speaking, the Africa Director of the MacArthur Foundation, Dr Kole Shettima, represented by the foundation’s Deputy Director, Amina Salihu, said the organisation remained committed to supporting marginalised communities and promoting indigenous rights.
Shettima said indigenous peoples remained custodians of valuable ancestral knowledge but noted that discrimination and structural barriers continued to affect the recognition of indigenous knowledge systems.
He called for greater recognition of indigenous knowledge and stronger protection of the rights of indigenous communities.
The foundation also expressed its commitment to supporting the proposed Abuja Original Inhabitants Heritage Centre.
The Agabe of Gwargwada, His Royal Highness Hussein Agabi, commended the MacArthur Foundation for its support for indigenous communities and called for greater attention to the annual celebration.
Agabi urged political office holders, including area council chairmen, senators and members of the House of Representatives, to participate more actively in future editions of the event.
He said the foundation’s support had helped draw greater attention to the concerns and challenges facing the Original Inhabitants of the FCT.
The event featured cultural performances, traditional displays and discussions focused on preserving the heritage, identity and rights of the Original Inhabitants of the Federal Capital Territory.
