Foundation Celebrates Abuja Natives Culture, Empowers Over 200
Hudu Yakubu, Abuja
No less than 200 original inhabitants of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have been empowered by Abuja-based non-governmental organization (NGO), Helpline Social Support Initiative.
President of the organisation, Dr. Jumai Ahmadu disclosed this during exhibition of the cultural attires of nine FCT original inhabitants in Abuja on Tuesday.
She revealed that, with support from Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) and MacArthur, the original inhabitants were trained in several skills, including traditional attire weaving and dying, among others.
Represented by the foundation’s Project Manager, Arome Onoja, the President said: “This exhibition is not just a showcase of traditional attires of the nine tribes in FCT; it is a celebration of who we are as a community and a testament to the beauty and vibrancy of our shared humanity.
“Through this event, we have the opportunity to explore and appreciate the culture the cultures of the nine tribes that make up the tapestry of Abuja.”
The president invited those in attendance and the public to open their hearts and minds to the stories of resilience, creativity and ingenuity the exhibitions tell, adding those stories of heritage passed down through generations and must not be allowed to perish.
According to Dr. Ahmadu, events like such should remind us of the power of culture to unite, inspire and transcend boundaries.
“They remind us that l, despite our differences we are bound together by our shared humanity and our common desire for peace, understanding and mutual respect.”
Traditional attires from original tribes of Gbagyi, Gwandara, Gede, Ganagana, Egbira, Koro, among others were exhibited at the event.
The colours of the nine tribes on display were predominantly white,red, green and black. White, in most of the tribes, signifies peace, while green stands agriculture in most, even as Gwandara, which has milk colour representing agriculture, has red for peace.
To the Gede tribe, red stands for hospitality, not war, while the Koro people view black as strength.
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