By Sarah NEGEDU
Original inhabitants of the FCT can now look forward to a future where their rights are well protected, as a coalition of civil rights groups are currently working on building the capacity of traditional justice system on issues around human rights.
Our correspondent gathered that the initiative funded by the MacArthur Foundation International, through the Resource Center for Human Rights and Civic Education, CHRICED, is aimed at developing a strategic project that would strengthen the traditional justice system in the territory.
The official launching of the project was performed by the Ona of Abaji, with the support of Sa’peyi of Garki and other traditional rulers at a town hall meeting organised by the Association of Wives of FCT Traditional Rulers, AWTR, in conjunction with Abiodun Essiet Initiative for Girls, AEIG, in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, AEIG Founder, Abiodun Essiet, said the major focus of the project is to reach out to original inhabitants especially those in the grassroots, and strengthening dialogue and advocacy on issues confronting original inhabitants of the FCT.
According to her, “the project also aims at building the capacity of traditional justice system on issues around human rights, educating them about Violence Against Persons Prohibition, VAPP, Act, and also creating awareness on sexual and Gender-Based against women and girls within the FCT.
“So, today is the official launch of the project which has a two-year span.We are hoping that through the project, we achieve the core objectives. And we are focusing mainly on the grassroots people within the FCT.”
Similarly, Founder, Helpline Foundation for the Needy, Dr. Jumai Ahmadu, said as one of the stakeholders supported by Mac Arthur Foundation to drive the project, it will leverage on its connection to the grassroots, to advance its objectives.
She reiterated that wives of the traditional rulers play critical roles in the development and empowerment of the girl child and women in the society, which explains decision to actively involved them in the project.
Also speaking, AWTR President, Hajiya Hauwa Ibrahim, said the association is working closely with those executing the project, in order to the achieve its objectives, which will improve the lives of the rural FCT women especially the natives.
She however noted that parents especially women are worried about incidences of violence against the girl child and women, which the Association hope the initiative will help reduce drastically.
Earlier, in her remark, Mrs Funke Oladipo, Ag Director Women Development, Women Affairs Ministry, implored traditional institutions to intensify support for the empowerment girls and women in the society. On his part, the Chairman, Abuja Municipal Area Council, Abdullahi Candido, who decried the many injustices that indigenous people are subjected to, described the project as a laudable and timely initiative.
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