Abuja will host the 2026 United Nations World Indigenous Peoples Day celebration on August 10, with a special focus on recognising the contributions of Indigenous midwives to maternal health, cultural preservation and the identity of the Federal Capital Territory’s Original Inhabitants.
The event, organised by the Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) in partnership with the University of Abuja and FCT Original Inhabitant Organisations, will be held at the Convocation Ground of the University of Abuja’s Main Campus.
This year’s global theme is “Honouring Indigenous Midwives: Safeguarding Life and Well-being,” while the local theme is “Celebrating Indigenous Midwives: Preserving Abuja Original Inhabitants Identity in a Changing World.”
According to a statement issued by the Publicity Coordinator of the event, Kolawole Omoniyi, the celebration seeks to recognise the vital role Indigenous midwives have played for generations in ensuring safe childbirth while preserving traditional knowledge, cultural values and community identity.
The organisers noted that Indigenous midwives have remained custodians of ancestral wisdom despite challenges posed by urbanisation, displacement and cultural erosion as Abuja continues to expand as Nigeria’s capital city.
The event is expected to attract traditional rulers, diplomats, government officials, development partners, civil society organisations, academics and cultural custodians, who will participate in discussions aimed at promoting Indigenous rights and increasing the visibility of Abuja’s First Peoples.
Activities lined up for the celebration include cultural performances, traditional music and dance, exhibitions of Indigenous languages and attire, oral history presentations, as well as testimonies highlighting the experiences and contributions of Indigenous midwives.
CHRICED said honouring the women was not only a tribute to their contributions but also a call to protect Indigenous identity, promote maternal health equity and ensure that the voices of the FCT’s Original Inhabitants continue to be recognised in national development.
The University of Abuja also stressed the importance of documenting and preserving Indigenous knowledge systems, including traditional midwifery, describing them as valuable resources that should be respected and incorporated into broader development initiatives.
The celebration will showcase the cultural heritage of the FCT’s nine Indigenous tribes while drawing attention to ongoing efforts to strengthen community resilience, promote cultural education and advance the rights of Indigenous peoples.
The event is supported by the MacArthur Foundation and is scheduled to commence at 10 a.m. on Monday, August 10, at the University’s Main Campus in Abuja.
