Abuja to host UN World Indigenous Peoples day
By Samuel Ogunsona
The Federal Capital Territory will on Monday, 10th August 2026 host the United Nations World Indigenous Peoples Day, with focus on the role of Indigenous midwives in preserving culture and safeguarding maternal health.
The event themed “Celebrating Indigenous Midwives: Preserving Abuja Original Inhabitants Identity in a Changing World” is being organized by CHRICED in partnership with the University of Abuja and FCT Original Inhabitant Organizations.
In a statement signed by CHRICED Publicity Coordinator, Kolawole Omoniyi, made available to Irohinodua on Sunday, the group said the global theme for the year is “honouring Indigenous Midwives: Safeguarding Life and Well-being.”
“For generations, Indigenous midwives have been the first hands to welcome new life, the first voices to comfort mothers, and the first guardians of cultural knowledge,” the statement said.
CHRICED noted that the practices of these midwives, “rooted in tradition, spirituality, and community wisdom,” remain central to Abuja’s heritage even as the city grows into a modern capital.
The group added that Indigenous midwives “symbolize the strength of communities that have endured displacement, marginalization, and cultural erosion.”
“Honoring them is both a tribute and a call to action—an invitation to protect Indigenous identity, promote maternal health equity, and ensure that the voices of Abuja’s First Peoples are never silenced,” CHRICED stated.
The celebration will feature the nine Indigenous tribes of the FCT, with cultural displays of languages, attire, music, dances, and oral histories. Traditional rulers, diplomats, government officials, and civil society groups are expected to attend.
