The Helpline Social Support Initiative (HSSI) has called for strategic partnerships to ensure the long-term success of its projects for Abuja's original inhabitants. This call was made at a press conference organised by Helpline in collaboration with the Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) and supported by the MacArthur Foundation. The theme of the event was "Strengthening the Cultural Rights of FCT Original Inhabitants," held on Monday in Abuja.
Godwin Arome Onoja, Program Manager of HSSI, stated that Helpline has executed a comprehensive cultural preservation and economic empowerment initiative to protect the endangered heritage of Abuja's Original Inhabitants (OIs). The initiative targets nine tribes: Amomoa, Bassa, Gade, Ganagana, Gbari, Gwandara, Egbura, and Koro. These tribes have faced historical marginalization, political exclusion, and encroachment of sacred cultural sites.
Onoja mentioned that Helpline launched a multi-faceted project to restore the dignity, voices, and livelihoods of OIs. The project includes targeted skills acquisition programs, focusing on traditional clothing. At least 100 vulnerable women and marginalized youth were trained to create traditional clothing commercially available in the open market for the first time.
The certified trainees are expected to benefit economically from their new skills. This project aims to preserve the cultural heritage of Abuja's original inhabitants while empowering them economically. The initiative also seeks to raise awareness about the importance of preserving cultural heritage and promoting inclusivity.
The press conference was attended by various stakeholders, including representatives from CHRICED and the MacArthur Foundation. The collaboration between these organizations highlights the importance of partnerships in promoting cultural rights and human development.
The Helpline Social Support Initiative has made significant progress in promoting the cultural rights of Abuja's original inhabitants. The organization's efforts have contributed to the preservation of cultural heritage and the empowerment of marginalized communities.
The project has also highlighted the need for continued support and partnership to ensure the long-term success of such initiatives. By working together, organizations can promote cultural rights, human development, and social justice.
Key points
- Helpline Social Support Initiative trains 100 vulnerable women and marginalized youth in traditional clothing making.
- The initiative aims to preserve the cultural heritage of Abuja's original inhabitants while empowering them economically.
- The project promotes cultural rights, human development, and social justice through targeted skills acquisition programs.
