Stakeholders at the just-concluded FCT Indigenous Youth Summit 2026 have called for greater empowerment and civic inclusion for indigenous youths in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The summit, themed, “Beyond Policy Papers: Indigenous Stories Informing Inclusive Governance,” highlighted the vision behind Abuja as Nigeria’s capital, which was founded on unity, peace and national integration. Participants, however, stressed that while Abuja has grown into a modern city of national significance, indigenous communities who owned and preserved the land for generations must not be neglected in the process of development.
The event brought together diverse stakeholders, including youth advocates and government representatives from various sectors, to discuss national policies affecting young people.
Speaking at the event, Convener of My Care Life Foundation, Mr. Thomas Sylvanus Ayeyilo said the voices of indigenous communities in the FCT continue to demand greater inclusion, land protection, youth empowerment, access to education, economic opportunities, and participation in governance.
He noted that recent national conversations on the recognition of indigenous rights and dignity within the FCT have renewed hopes among affected communities, particularly with government commitments regarding Certificates of Occupancy and the recognition of ancestral lands.
According to him, the summit served as a platform to promote civic inclusion and participation, encourage youth leadership and empowerment, advocate cultural preservation and indigenous identity, and strengthen collaboration between government and indigenous communities.
He added that the initiative would also promote peace, unity, and sustainable development while creating opportunities for education, entrepreneurship, and social advancement.
“Our indigenous communities are rich in culture, wisdom, tradition, and human potential. The Gbagyi, Bassa, Gade, Koro, Ganagana, and other indigenous ethnic groups remain an important part of the identity and heritage of the Federal Capital Territory,” he said.
Ayeyilo emphasized that empowerment must go beyond rhetoric and translate into practical action through skills acquisition programmes, educational support, leadership development, economic empowerment, community infrastructure, and youth mentorship.
“As young people, we must rise to become ambassadors of peace, development, and responsible leadership. Civic inclusion means giving everyone a voice regardless of background, tribe, gender, or social status,” he stated.
He further stressed the importance of traditional institutions in nation-building, noting that their role in preserving values, promoting peace, and guiding community development remains critical.
“The future of the Federal Capital Territory cannot be truly sustainable if the original inhabitants remain on the margins of development. Inclusion is not a privilege; it is a responsibility and a right,” he added.
The stakeholders called for deliberate policies and programmes capable of creating measurable impact in the lives of indigenous families across rural and urban communities, ensuring that no one is excluded from the benefits of growth and national progress.
They urged government institutions, civil society organisations, youth groups, traditional rulers, and development partners to strengthen collaboration towards building a more inclusive and equitable society.
