AOIYEO Hosts Town Hall on Indigenous Rights, Decries Marginalisation in FCT

A socio-cultural youth group, the Abuja Original Inhabitants and Youths Empowerment Organization (AOIYEO), has raised concerns over what it described as the continued marginalisation and injustices faced by indigenous people in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The group made this known during a town hall meeting held at the weekend in Abuja, aimed at promoting and protecting the rights of original inhabitants of the nation’s capital.

Speaking at the event, President of AOIYEO, Amb. Isaac David, said the gathering was convened to draw public attention to the plight of indigenous communities and to advocate for justice, inclusiveness, and sustainable development.

According to him, the town hall meeting served as a platform to reaffirm the collective commitment of stakeholders toward safeguarding the rights and livelihoods of the original inhabitants.

“Our gathering is not just a meeting, it is a reaffirmation of our collective commitment to justice, inclusion, and sustainable development for indigenous communities in the FCT,” he said.

David noted that for decades, the original inhabitants of Abuja had made significant sacrifices in the interest of national unity, stressing that the need to amplify their voices and protect their rights remains urgent.

He emphasized that true development should not only be measured by infrastructural growth and urban expansion, but also by the extent to which the rights, identities, and livelihoods of indigenous populations are protected.

The AOIYEO president also highlighted the importance of dialogue and collaboration in addressing the challenges faced by indigenous people, adding that the town hall provided an avenue for actionable solutions.

He commended the peaceful conduct of the recent Area Councils elections, describing it as a reflection of growing democratic maturity at the grassroots level.

While noting the significance of citizens’ participation in the electoral process, David stressed the need for elected representatives to ensure that governance outcomes are inclusive and beneficial to indigenous communities.

“We call on elected leaders across the Area Councils to prioritise the needs of original inhabitants, particularly in areas such as land rights, political representation, education, healthcare, and economic empowerment,” he said.

He reaffirmed AOIYEO’s commitment to strengthening the voices of indigenous youths and communities through advocacy, civic engagement, and strategic partnerships.

David urged stakeholders to move beyond discussions to concrete actions that would guarantee the recognition and full realisation of the rights of Abuja’s original inhabitants.

“Let us build bridges between government, civil society, and communities, and ensure that development and inclusion go hand in hand,” he added.