The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has called for greater support for the preservation of the cultural identity, heritage and rights of the Original Inhabitants of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The Executive Director of CHRICED, Zikirullahi M. Ibrahim, made the call on Monday at the FCT Original Inhabitants Grand Cultural Rally held to commemorate the 2026 United Nations World Indigenous Peoples Day at the University of Abuja.
The event, organised by CHRICED in partnership with the University of Abuja and FCT Original Inhabitant organisations, with support from the MacArthur Foundation, was themed “Celebrating Indigenous Midwives: Preserving Abuja Original Inhabitants Identity in a Changing World.”
Ibrahim said the celebration was an opportunity to recognise Indigenous Peoples as custodians of identity, heritage and ancestral knowledge, while drawing attention to the contributions of indigenous communities to society.
He said the theme was particularly significant in honouring indigenous midwives whose traditional knowledge and practices have helped safeguard the lives of mothers and children over generations.
According to him, indigenous midwives should be recognised not only as traditional health practitioners but also as custodians of cultural knowledge and community heritage.
“As Abuja continues to evolve into a modern capital, the identity of its Original Inhabitants must never be erased, diluted or forgotten,” Ibrahim said.
He called for the protection and recognition of the languages, customs, land rights and cultural expressions of the FCT’s nine Indigenous tribes.
The CHRICED executive director also announced plans for the establishment of the Abuja Original Inhabitants Heritage Centre, saying construction was expected to commence soon.
He described the proposed centre as a platform for preserving indigenous history, promoting research and safeguarding the cultural memory of Abuja’s First Peoples for future generations.
Ibrahim appealed to individuals, organisations and development partners to provide financial and material support for the project.
He expressed appreciation to the MacArthur Foundation, the University of Abuja, CHRICED’s Board of Directors and other partners for supporting efforts to promote Indigenous rights and civic participation.
The CHRICED boss also commended the Original Inhabitant organisations and communities for their resilience and peaceful approach despite challenges, including demolitions and displacement from ancestral lands and homes.
He stressed that development should not come at the expense of cultural identity, urging stakeholders to ensure that the younger generation of Abuja’s Original Inhabitants remains connected to its heritage.
The event featured cultural performances, ancestral storytelling and discussions aimed at promoting Indigenous rights, cultural education and the preservation of the heritage of the FCT’s Original Inhabitants.
