CHRICED, UniAbuja partner to establish heritage centre for Abuja natives

Michael Olumide

In a landmark move set to redefine the preservation and promotion of indigenous heritage in Nigeria’s capital, the Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) and the University of Abuja have formalised a strategic partnership to establish a world-class heritage centre dedicated to Abuja’s original inhabitants.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed on Thursday at the university, paves the way for the creation of the Abuja Original Inhabitants Centre—an initiative designed to document, preserve, and amplify the history, culture, and identity of indigenous communities in the Federal Capital Territory.

Describing the project as visionary and transformative, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi, said the proposed centre is poised to evolve into an international hub of excellence.

He expressed strong confidence in the longevity and impact of the project, noting that it is designed to stand the test of time.

Fawehinmi also assured stakeholders of the university’s full administrative support, emphasizing that as the only public university located in Abuja, the institution is uniquely positioned—with the required human capital and academic resources—to drive the successful execution of the initiative.

On his part, the Executive Director of CHRICED, Ibrahim Zikirullahi, highlighted the strategic importance of the centre. He explained that beyond cultural preservation, the facility would serve as a dynamic platform for research, advocacy, and policy development focused on indigenous identity, inclusion, and sustainable development.

Zikirullahi revealed that the project is supported by the MacArthur Foundation, adding that it would attract scholars and researchers from across Africa and beyond, thereby contributing to broader global conversations on indigenous rights and representation.

He commended the University of Abuja for embracing the partnership and noted that with the MoU now in place, attention would immediately shift to implementation.

Despite prevailing economic challenges, he expressed optimism that construction would commence soon, pending final architectural approvals.

Also speaking at the event, CHRICED’s Board Chairman, Momodu Kassim Momodu, described the centre as a potential global destination for indigenous studies.

He assured the university of CHRICED’s unwavering commitment, citing the organisation’s strong track record in delivering impactful and well-executed projects.

According to him, the centre would not only elevate the global visibility of Abuja’s indigenous communities but also position the University of Abuja as a leading institution in the field of indigenous knowledge systems.

He expressed confidence that the project would be delivered swiftly and ultimately become a source of pride for Nigeria and the African continent.

In his remarks, Matthew Dada, Director of the Centre for Indigenous Studies at the university, described the signing of the MoU as historic.

He noted that the initiative would strengthen the identity and sense of belonging of Abuja’s original inhabitants within academic and policy spaces.

Similarly, the university’s Bursar, Shiva Rae Kondoun, expressed optimism that the centre’s unique indigenous focus would attract international attention, partnerships, and patronage.

The event was marked by strong commitments from both parties, with stakeholders united in their belief that the Abuja Original Inhabitants Centre has the potential to redefine how indigenous knowledge, culture, and identity are documented, preserved, and integrated into Africa’s development narrative.

As implementation begins, the initiative stands as a bold step toward inclusivity, cultural preservation, and academic excellence—offering renewed hope that the voices and heritage of Abuja’s original inhabitants will be preserved for generations to come.