FCT Youths call for inclusion of Indigenous voices in governance

This message resonated across all speakers during a town hall meeting themed “Strengthening FCT Indigenous Community Voices in Key Governance Processes”, held in Kwali on Thursday, 10 July 2025. The event was organised by AOIYEO in collaboration with the FCT Stakeholders Assembly, and in partnership with the Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED), with support from the MacArthur Foundation.

In his presentation on “Strengthening the Voices of FCT Indigenous Communities in Key Governance Processes”, Dr Aliyu Daniel Kwali, President of the FCT Stakeholders Assembly, stressed the critical need for inclusive governance. He urged all relevant stakeholders to commit to the advocacy and implementation of indigenous participation in decision-making.

Delivering a speech on behalf of AOIYEO, Dr Abubakar Sadiq Ahmed, the Project Manager, reiterated that the overarching objective of the initiative is to promote the political, economic, and cultural rights of the original inhabitants of Abuja.

“Through this goal, we seek to facilitate a more inclusive and equitable governance environment where the voices of the marginalised are not just heard but valued and acted upon,” he said.

Looking ahead to the 2026 FCT Area Council Elections, Dr Abubakar noted the urgency of the moment:

“The time to act is now. These elections present a rare opportunity for indigenous communities to assert their democratic rights and for stakeholders to commit to transparent and inclusive electoral processes.”

He described the town hall as part of a broader push to ensure indigenous inclusion in the political, economic, and cultural decision-making processes affecting their lives.

Barrister James Egah Ndeye, who spoke on “Legal Issues Facing FCT Original Inhabitants”, called for collective efforts to overcome the historic disenfranchisement faced by both indigenous people and residents of the FCT.

Also speaking at the event, AOIYEO President Commandant Isaac David gave a passionate reflection on the long-standing plight of Abuja’s original inhabitants. He described their experience as one marked by decades of marginalisation, systemic neglect, land dispossession, cultural erasure, and inadequate political representation.

“Despite being the original custodians of the land upon which Nigeria’s capital was built, FCT’s indigenous communities have endured statelessness and exclusion. Their socio-economic conditions remain among the most disadvantaged in the country,” he stated.

Commandant David noted that AOIYEO has been at the forefront of correcting these injustices through youth empowerment, education programmes, and civic engagement initiatives. However, he stressed the need to intensify these efforts as the 2026 elections approach.

“I appeal to all—indigenous people, residents, professionals, community leaders, youth leaders, and traditional rulers across the six Area Councils—to unite for this cause. Presenting a united front will strengthen our ability to vote and be voted for.”

He urged all stakeholders present to support the initiative through resource mobilisation, partnerships, and policy advocacy, adding:

“Together, we can build a more inclusive, just, and sustainable Federal Capital Territory.”

Retired Assistant Inspector General of Police, Alhaji Aminu Saleh Pai, also advocated a multifaceted stakeholder strategy to address the pressing security challenges in the FCT.

In her contribution, Mrs Afiniki Solomon, the AOIYEO Women Leader in Kwali Area Council, encouraged women not to leave the struggle for inclusivity solely to men, affirming that women hold the key to breaking barriers in spaces where men face challenges.

The event was well attended by a diverse mix of stakeholders, including the Chairman of Kwali Area Council, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, development partners, and members of indigenous communities across the FCT.