During the Grand Cultural Rally held in commemoration of the United Nations 2023 World Indigenous Peoples Day with the theme “Indigenous Youths as Agents of Change for Self-determination,” a coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) has urged the National Assembly to take concrete steps towards establishing a mayoralty status for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). This event took place on Wednesday in Abuja.
Dr. Ibrahim Zikirullahi, the Executive Director of the Resource Centre for Human Rights and Education (CHRICED), emphasized that the indigenous people of the FCT have endured neglect under previous administrations in the country. He underscored the need for their rightful recognition and representation within the administrative structure.
Ms. Faith Nwadishi, the Executive Director of the Centre for Transparency Advocacy (CTA), took the opportunity to commend President Bola Tinubu for nominating an FCT indigene as a minister designate. She further called on the National Assembly to take assertive action in reintroducing the bill related to FCT mayoralty.
Nwadishi challenged the prevalent misconception that the FCT is a “no-man’s land,” emphasizing that the capital city is home to nine distinct indigenous tribes. This diverse cultural landscape underscores the importance of acknowledging and empowering the indigenous communities in the FCT.
