FCT Heritage Day: Abuja Natives Demand Recognition, Political Inclusion

The Original Inhabitants Development Association of Abuja (OIDA) has renewed calls for better political representation, land rights, and socio-economic inclusion for the Indigenous people of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The demand was made during the 5th FCT Heritage Day celebration held in Kubwa, Abuja, over the weekend.

In his keynote address, OIDA President Pastor Danladi Jeji emphasised that the annual event serves as both a cultural showcase and a platform for indigenous advocacy.

He stressed that while the original inhabitants of Abuja have remained peaceful and accommodating, their rights to self-governance and development must not be overlooked.

“Heritage Day is not just about celebrating culture; it is about asserting our rightful place in the governance of the FCT. We will continue to push for political inclusion, land rights, and economic opportunities that reflect our status as the original inhabitants of Abuja,” Jeji said.

One of the central demands highlighted at the event was the call for a democratically elected governor for the FCT, alongside an FCT House of Assembly, to replace the current legislative oversight by the National Assembly.

OIDA also reiterated its demand for three senatorial seats and six House of Representatives seats for indigenous people, the creation of 11 additional local government areas to ensure grassroots development, and the establishment of the Abuja Original Inhabitants Development Commission (AOIDC) to address compensation, resettlement, and economic empowerment.

“OIDA believes that FCT is a state by legal precedent, and we demand structures that reflect this reality. Our people must be given the right to govern themselves and have a voice in national decision-making,” Jeji declared.

OIDA also called for joint land administration between the FCT Administration and Indigenous groups, arguing that Indigenous landowners should have greater control over ancestral lands.

The association proposed allocating 30% of all land sales in the FCT to the AOIDC to fund development projects for Indigenous communities.

The event’s key focus was education, with traditional leaders urging parents to prioritise schooling for their children.

Alhaji Abubakar Sani, representing the Sarkin Pai of Kwali area council, emphasised that education remains the key to empowerment.

“Our children must be equipped to compete with others in Nigeria. Sell your clothes if you must, but ensure your child goes to school. That is the only way we can reclaim our rightful place,” Sani said.

While commending FCT minister Barr. Nyesom Wike for his infrastructure development initiatives, OIDA urged him to further integrate indigenous people into governance.

They called for major streets in Abuja to be named after indigenous heroes and traditional rulers as a symbolic gesture of recognition.

“As we celebrate our heritage, we call on the government to ensure policies that protect our cultural and economic interests,” Jeji concluded.

National organising secretary Emmanuel Alamu represented the Middle Belt Forum at the event and reaffirmed the group’s support for OIDA’s demands.

“The position of the Middle Belt Forum is unambiguous—we stand firmly behind OIDA. The FCT’s indigenous people deserve statehood, recognition, and full political rights. They are not second-class citizens.

“When the federal capital was in Lagos, Lagos still had a state government with its legislature, judiciary, and local governments. Why is Abuja different? The indigenous people here must not be left without representation,” Alamu said.

He pledged that the Middle Belt Forum would continue to support OIDA in its fight for political inclusion.

The FCT Heritage Day celebration ended with cultural performances, traditional dances, and a renewed commitment by Indigenous people to continue their advocacy.