FOREWORD
The Original inhabitants (OI) of the Federal Capital Territory were made stateless following the creation of
Abuja as the capital of Nigeria. The implications are that the people lost their livelihood, identity,
environment, and voice among others. Due to the influx of people from not only different parts of the
country but from all parts of the globe different norms and values were introduced and seems to subsume
the values, cultures, and ways of life of the indigenous people of Abuja, also the move of the seat of power
to Abuja, has created a huge demand for construction of building for offices, homes and other commercial
purpose, Historical, cultural and art heritage sites are blasted due to extractive mining activities by
construction companies or fortune seekers and for urban development. Such activities have not only
impacted negatively on the environment but has diminished the cultural values of the people.
I got excited reading this report because it reviewed areas that the voices of the Original Inhabitants of the
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) need to be amplified. It is however disheartening to see how much their
rights have been stripped away from them and their lands called “A no man’s land”. Their stories need to
be heard and I will support in telling this story as much as I can until they get justice.
The Centre for Transparency Advocacy (CTA) will be addressing these issues raised through the
implementation of the project: Promoting Cultural Values and Rights of Original Inhabitants (OIs) in
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) through Drama and Art Forms supported by the MacArthur Foundation
through the Resource Centre for Human Rights & Civic Education (CHRICED). The project will last for
two years and implemented across communities in the six Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory.
VIEW FULL REPORT BELOW…….
