The Original Inhabitants of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Monday joined the rest of the world to commemorate the International World Indigenous People’s Day.
The event which was organised by Resource Centre for Human Rights & Civic Education (CHRICED) saw inhabitants across the six area councils of the FCT displayed their various colourful cultural dance steps.
In his address, the Executive Director of CHRICED, Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi said the aim of the programme is to promote unity among the tribes of the Original Inhabitants.
According to him, a united voice would strengthen advocacy and dialogue on the marginalisation and pressing injustices suffered by the Original Inhabitants population in the FCT and even build their confidence in fighting for their rights.
He however assured that the event will be celebrated annually to promote the rights of Original Inhabitants in the FCT and ensure that they are recognised and part of the policy making process in the country.
Also speaking, an FCT indigene, Ambassador Sarki Silvia Yemi, while corroborating CHRICED Executive Director noted that the FCT Original Inhabitants have over the years suffered discrimination and neglect.
She said the youths in the FCT are not exempted from this treatment.
Ambassador Yemi said “My generation which is the digital generation is coming out peacefully to plead with the government to give us our right.
“I believe at this stage in the FCT, we have two thousand and something communities and if you go to other states, they do not have this number. So why are we marginalised?
“Are we not worthy to get the position of a Governor? Or are we not worthy to get two or three senators in the Senate? Or four House of Reps members in the green chamber? Its so disheartening that alot of us especially in our generation are educated but we are not given the chance to speak” she added.
The FCT Original Inhabitants further urged government to prioritise and respond to the lingering discrimination, exclusion and neglect facing them.
Int’l World Indigenous People’s Day: CHRICED advocates inclusion for FCT Original Inhabitants
By Chidinma Chukwu
The Original Inhabitants of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Monday joined the rest of the world to commemorate the International World Indigenous People’s Day.
The event which was organised by Resource Centre for Human Rights & Civic Education (CHRICED) saw inhabitants across the six area councils of the FCT displayed their various colourful cultural dance steps.
In his address, the Executive Director of CHRICED, Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi said the aim of the programme is to promote unity among the tribes of the Original Inhabitants.
According to him, a united voice would strengthen advocacy and dialogue on the marginalisation and pressing injustices suffered by the Original Inhabitants population in the FCT and even build their confidence in fighting for their rights.
He however assured that the event will be celebrated annually to promote the rights of Original Inhabitants in the FCT and ensure that they are recognised and part of the policy making process in the country.
Also speaking, an FCT indigene, Ambassador Sarki Silvia Yemi, while corroborating CHRICED Executive Director noted that the FCT Original Inhabitants have over the years suffered discrimination and neglect.
She said the youths in the FCT are not exempted from this treatment.
Ambassador Yemi said “My generation which is the digital generation is coming out peacefully to plead with the government to give us our right.
“I believe at this stage in the FCT, we have two thousand and something communities and if you go to other states, they do not have this number. So why are we marginalised?
“Are we not worthy to get the position of a Governor? Or are we not worthy to get two or three senators in the Senate? Or four House of Reps members in the green chamber? Its so disheartening that alot of us especially in our generation are educated but we are not given the chance to speak” she added.
The FCT Original Inhabitants further urged government to prioritise and respond to the lingering discrimination, exclusion and neglect facing them.
