By Ben Kati
The Helpline Foundation for the needy, Abuja with support from MacArthur Foundation has trained over 300 Original Inhabitants of the FCT in making of traditional attire in order to preserve their cultural heritage.
During the graduation and exhibition ceremony for the original inhabitants in traditional skills transfer and traditional attires, the president, Helpline Foundation for the Needy, Dr. Jumai Ahmadu, said the skills will impact positively on the economic well-being of the benefactors.
Dr. Ahmadu who was represented by the Project Officer of the Foundation, Mr. Arome Onoja, said the gesture was sponsored by MacArthur Foundation through Centre for Human Rights & Civic Education (CHRICED) who decided to engage Helpline foundation to engage the original inhabitants within the context of their culture, economic and political rights.
The president said, “We have proudly engaged 300 vulnerable and marginalized women and youth in the traditional skill transfer program, part of whom shall be graduating today, the first batch. We are sure that this skill so far gained will not only revamp their cultures but will serve as a veritable means of livelihood”
“As part of the program, there has been exhibition to showcase what our participants have produced this is toshow you how prepared the Ol are to continue to preserve and sustain their culture via the display of theirtraditional Identification.
“The CHRICED saw this as a speck in the eye which galvanized their interest andVentured into the rescue mission and beamed their research light into the quest for resuscitation and revival of the lives and legacies of the Original inhabitants forefathers and how it can be sustained even in the midst of urban progress”
Tagging the exhibition”Revamping The Culture Through EconomicEmpowerment And Cultural Preservation”, Ahmadu thanked MacArthur foundation for their resounding supports which is termed as the Project of promoting the rights of the Original inhabitants of FCT including 9 other DIOs .
