By Luminous Jannamike

ABUJA – The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has unveiled a N730 million project aimed at supporting Abuja’s Original Inhabitants (OIs), while calling for urgent reforms to address their longstanding political marginalisation and restructure governance in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The project was launched at a media briefing held in Abuja, where CHRICED Executive Director, Comrade Dr. Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, described the initiative as a transformative step towards social justice.

Backed by the MacArthur Foundation, the programme seeks to empower nine grassroots, OI-led organisations with technical training, funding, and advocacy tools to defend their rights and preserve their heritage.

“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 said.

He noted that while the previous phase of the project supported 10 OI-led organisations, the current phase will provide similar support to nine groups, with an overall funding envelope of approximately N330 million.

“With that said, regarding the resources available, in the last project, we supported 10 original inhabitant organisations. In this new phase, nine are being supported, with the total funding available still around 330 million naira,” he stated.

A major component of the initiative is the Abuja Heritage Centre, envisioned as a hub for cultural preservation, research, and education.

Dr. Zikirullahi disclosed that the first phase of the centre’s development will consume an estimated N400 million, with designs and consultations currently ongoing.

“You will be invited to the inauguration of this Heritage Centre as we firmly believe that if you strip a people of their culture, language, and arts, they cease to exist,” he said

The centre will house artefacts, historical records, and serve as a research space focused on indigenous knowledge and identity. It will also offer postgraduate scholarships to women and girls of OI descent to study topics related to cultural rights and indigenous systems.

Dr. Zikirullahi decried what he called the forceful appropriation of ancestral lands by the government and inadequate compensation to affected families. He cited cases where people received as little as N20 for their land, even in landmark areas like the National Theatre and Aso Rock Villa.

“When the government begins to seize land from people, compensate them inadequately, and then sell those lands, it raises serious concerns. Where is the justice in this?” he asked.

He criticised the existing constitutional framework that denies OIs meaningful political representation, stating that the lack of autonomy and the singular legislative seat for FCT natives fails to capture the needs and aspirations of the people.

“The President is not the governor of the FCT. Those who ought to be in prison are the ones occupying positions of power today—governors, presidents, and others. In a just society, they would be held accountable,” he explained.

Zikirullahi called on indigenous groups to unify in their advocacy, warning that internal division weakens their cause and creates room for exploitation by external political actors.

“Let OI communities resist political deceit and stay united in their pursuit of dignity and self-determination. We know that people cannot be saved if they remain divided. Unity is essential for achieving any meaningful progress,” Zikirullahi said.

He also encouraged community mobilisation and political participation in forthcoming elections, lamenting that the absence of an organised agenda in past democratic transitions allowed power to recycle among entrenched elites.

“We made a mistake in 1999. While we fought for the validation of democracy and the departure of the military, we failed to have a clear agenda for what would follow. As a result, the same military leaders and their allies returned to power,” he said.

The CHRICED director reiterated that his organisation has no interest in contesting political positions in the FCT but remains committed to strengthening OI-led advocacy, civic education, and policy engagement.

He added, “From the beginning, we have made it clear that we are not here to take over their fight. Our role is to support them, build their capacity, and help them convey the right messages. This is the mission of Christ City.”

He also challenged disability rights groups and youth-led organisations to step up their demands through lawful advocacy and strategic communication.

“You can hold press briefings and take any lawful action to pursue your cause. Advocacy is not just about seeking permission; it’s about preparation and strategy.”

The event marks the continuation of CHRICED’s engagement with indigenous communities in the FCT, with previous projects supporting 10 OI-led groups.