By Remi Johnson

The Helpline Social Support Initiative (HSSI) has officially launched the second phase of the Strengthening the Cultural Rights of Original Inhabitants (OIs) of the FCT project.

The project, proudly supported by the Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED), is being funded by the MacArthur Foundation.

Speaking during a press briefing, Original Inhabitant leader Muhammed Isah M. expressed deep appreciation to the MacArthur Foundation and CHRICED for their continued commitment to amplifying the voices of the Original Inhabitants of the FCT.

The HSSI Project Manager, Mr. Onoja Arome, explained that the rationale behind the initiative is to preserve the cultural heritage of the original natives. He revealed that this second phase of the project is designed to train 100 vulnerable women and youth in cultural attire production.

He noted that the new phase of the project, which will span 18 months, seeks to build upon the successes of the initial two-year intervention that ran from 2021 to 2023.

According to him, the earlier project achieved significant milestones, including training and empowering 200 vulnerable women and youth in cultural attire production to preserve indigenous identity and promote economic independence.

Mr. Arome noted that the displacement of the Original Inhabitants, following the 1973 decree that transformed their ancestral lands into the nation’s capital, has caused long-term socio-economic disruptions, including the loss of farmland, economic trees, and cultural heritage sites.

“The second phase of the project will train 100 more vulnerable women and youth in cultural attire production, strengthen advocacy for the resettlement and compensation of those affected by land encroachment, and intensify efforts to raise awareness of the identity and rights of FCT Original Inhabitants,” Isah explained.

He emphasized that the cultural identity of the indigenous communities is at risk of extinction, and this project is a crucial step toward cultural revival, socio-economic empowerment, and justice for displaced communities.

In addition, he acknowledged that CHRICED, with the MacArthur Foundation’s backing, is also supporting nine other organizations with similar initiatives aimed at restoring the rights and dignity of the FCT Original Inhabitants.

Mr. Arome urged all stakeholders and the general public to join in the collective mission to uplift the voices and heritage of the Original Inhabitants.

“We call on all stakeholders to empathize with us and work together to achieve an impactful legacy that will benefit future generations of FCT residents,” he added.

The event was attended by Original Inhabitants, representatives of youth and women’s groups, persons with disabilities, and media professionals.

Source: Weekendersmagazine