By Abubakar Yunusa
A major step towards social justice has been launched in nation’s capital, as the Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) unveiled a new N330 million initiative to support Abuja’s Original Inhabitants (OIs).
Speaking at an inaugural media briefing, CHRICED Executive Director, Comrade Dr. Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, described the project as a transformative effort to strengthen grassroots organisations representing the indigenous people of the Federal Capital Territory.
Backed by the MacArthur Foundation, the project will provide technical training, mentorship, and funding to nine OI-led organisations, helping them to document human rights violations and engage in evidence-based advocacy.
He noted strong emphasis has been placed on amplifying the voices of women, youth, and persons with disabilities within OI communities, ensuring their meaningful participation in decision-making processes.
Dr. Zikirullahi said the initiative will also foster dialogue and unity across the diverse indigenous groups, reinforcing solidarity in their collective struggle for equity and justice.
According to him ,one of the project’s most notable components is the establishment of the Abuja Heritage Centre. The centre aims to preserve the cultural identity, history, and traditions of the 17 chiefdoms of Abuja’s native communities.
He said,”The Heritage Centre will not only house indigenous artefacts and historical records but also serve as a hub for scholarly research and academic engagement on issues affecting Original Inhabitants.
“It will further provide postgraduate scholarships—particularly for women and girls of OI descent—to support studies focused on indigenous knowledge and rights”.
The Executive Director stressed that addressing historical injustices is critical in a nation facing crises of legitimacy, inequality, and citizen disillusionment.
“Despite Abuja being the seat of national power, many of its Original Inhabitants remain marginalised, lacking basic infrastructure, access to clean water, education, and economic opportunities.”
Dr. Zikirullahi called for urgent legislative and executive reforms to rectify the constitutional gaps that have rendered the OIs “stateless and landless” in their own territory.
He urged the FCT Administration to halt the demolition of indigenous homes and the forceful appropriation of ancestral lands.
He also appealed to the National Assembly and federal government to prioritise justice for OIs, as well as to development partners and the media to elevate indigenous voices and support grassroots movements.
“Let OI communities resist political deceit and stay united in their pursuit of dignity and self-determination,” he added.
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