FCT indigenous peoples demand justice, recognition

Stanley Ihedigbo

Resource Centre for Human Rights & Civic Education (CHRICED) recently organized a Grand Cultural Rally of FCT Original Inhabitants to commemorate the 2025 United Nations International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples.

They aimed to bring attention to the plight of the indigenous communities in the Federal Capital Territory.

Executive Director of CHRICED, Dr. Ibrahim Zikirullahi, emphasized that the gathering was not just a celebration but a declaration that the indigenous peoples’ voices would no longer be silenced.

He highlighted the historical significance of the nine tribes and seventeen chiefdoms that have shaped the land long before it became the seat of power.

The rally focused on several key demands, including fair compensation for displaced communities and restoration of ancestral lands seized without consultation or restitution, affirmative representation and policy reform to ensure the indigenous peoples have a seat at the table where decisions about their lives are made.

Also, they targeted investments, education, and job creation to uplift indigenous communities and bridge the inequality gap.

The event was made possible with the support of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.

Dr. Zikirullahi expressed gratitude to the foundation and all allies for their solidarity, emphasizing that the rally marked the beginning of a movement toward justice for the FCT Original inhabitants.