The Association of Wives of FCT Traditional Rulers and the Abiodun Essiet Initiative for Girls, have called for the promotion of rights of the original inhabitants of the Federal Capital Territory.

They gave the call at a one-day town hall meeting and project launch of the campaign, in Abuja.

Mrs Hauwa Ibrahim, President, Association of Wives of FCT Traditional Rulers, said the aim of the project is to promote the economic, cultural, socio-cultural and political needs of the original inhabitants of the FCT.

She said that the project, supported by the MacArthur Foundation would create awareness programmes for women, children and encourage girl-child education.

Mr Abdullahi Candido, Chairman, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), said the project was a welcome development as it was high time the original inhabitants of the FCT come together to solve their challenges.

He also called on women of the territory to come out and participate in politics, to enable them promote their cause.

Mrs Abiodun Essiet, Executive Director, Abiodun Essiet Initiative for Girls, said the two-year project is aimed at strengthening justice system and promoting the indigenous rights of the original inhabitants of the FCT.

She added that the group would also be promoting dialogues, carrying out advocacy campaigns on gender and sexual based violence, among others, in the six area councils in the FCT.

She added that the major focus of the project, is to reach out to the people at the grassroot to bring about development to their various communities.

The event had in attendance representatives of the Minister of Women Affairs, traditional rulers in FCT, civil society organisations, among others.