In a renewed vigour to Promote the rights of the indigenous people of FCT, a non governmental organization, Resource Centre For Human Rights & Civic Education (CHRICED) has launch a new phase of the project aim at Institutionalizing the Identify, Knowledge, and Legacy of the Original Inhabitants of FCT.
The Executive Director of CHRICED, Dr Ibrahim Zikirullahi, stated this yesterday during the media Launch of the project in Abuja, in his inaugural address , Dr. Ibrahim say the promotion of the rights of the indigenous people of FCT must be taken seriously especially now by all and sundry,
As such we need everybody to support this course which will ensure equity, fairness and justice.
” Today marks the launch of the new phase io our ongoing efforts to promote the political, economic and cultural rights of the Àbuja Original Inhabitants (OLs), this Inaugural briefing is part of a transformative two year initiative, generously supported by the John D and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, our objective is to create a historical repository and enhance the capacity of the indigenous people are in Nigerià’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT,) Àbuja “.
This Intervention represents a significant milestone in our collective pursuit of equity, inclusion. Justice and dignity for the original Inhabitants. building on the successes of the previous phase, we remain committed to addressing the longstanding injustices ànd systemic marginalization faced by these communities”.
” during the first phase of the project, CHRICED provided sub grants the ten Original Inhabitants Orgànisations a Cross the FCT, these grants supported initiative aimed at revitalizing cultural heritage, strenthening traditional justice system for conflict prevention and inclusive dispute resolution and amplifying community voices in political decision making through advocacy campaigns and Strategic outreach.
Outcomes ànd impact are the historic political Representation the at for the first time in Nigerià’s democratic history, an Original Inhabitants of FCTe had been appointed ad a Minister in the federal executive Council, Financial autonomy from r development, additional key àppointments, creation and f FCTr Civil service Commision and Gender equality ànd Social inclusion.
” The unresolved injustice of the Original Inhabitants, the forced displacement of thousands the f indigenous communities, framed as “Virgin land”.
“Dispite the FCT being recognized as the Nigeria’s 37th state, it lack the governance structures of other state, original Inhabitants cànnot elect Governors and legislature, as the territory is govern ed by a Minister appointed from ànother state..
” We affirm that this project Launch is more than just a ceremony, it is a rallying cry for Renewed Solidarity, advocacy and purposeful action. The journey ahead may be long and Challenging but with Unity, co-operation, a clear vision and unwavering support from Partners, the Original Inhabitants of the FCT will not only reclaim their rights but they will shape their Future”.
