MacArthur, Centre launch initiative for Abuja’s communities

The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) and the MacArthur Foundation have unveiled a new N330 million initiative to support Abuja’s Original Inhabitants (OIs). Speaking at the inaugural media briefing, of the initiative on Tuesday in Abuja, CHRICED Executive Director, Dr. Ibrahim Zikirullahi, said it was a major step towards social justice […]

The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) and the MacArthur Foundation have unveiled a new N330 million initiative to support Abuja’s Original Inhabitants (OIs).

Speaking at the inaugural media briefing, of the initiative on Tuesday in Abuja, CHRICED Executive Director, Dr. Ibrahim Zikirullahi, said it was a major step towards social justice for the age-long marginalized OIs of the FCT.

Zikirullahi said said that the project is a transformative effort to strengthen grassroots organisations representing the indigenous people of the FCT.

He said that one of the project’s most notable components is the establishment of the Abuja Heritage Centre, aimed at preserving the cultural identity, history, and traditions of the 17 chiefdoms of Abuja’s native communities.

The CHRICED boss, said that the projects backed by the MacArthur Foundation 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 (PWDs) within OI communities, ensuring their meaningful participation in decision-making processes.

“This initiative will also foster dialogue and unity across the diverse indigenous groups, reinforcing solidarity in their collective struggle for equity and justice.

“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.

“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,” Zikirullahi said.

He also said that addressing historical injustices is critical in a nation facing crises of legitimacy, inequality, and citizen disillusionment.

He said, “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.”

He called for urgent legislative and executive reforms to rectify the constitutional gaps that have rendered the OIs ‘stateless and landless’ in their own territory and ancestral lands.

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.

Zikirullahi said, “Let OI communities resist political deceit and stay united in their pursuit of dignity and self-determination, the way other Nigerians enjoy such privileges in their respective states across the country.”