Partnership Seeks to Empower Abuja's Original Inhabitants Through Economic Development

The partnership between the Mai Jagora Peace and Development Initiative and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) is a significant step towards addressing the economic marginalization of Abuja's Original Inhabitants (OIs). The initiative aims to provide access to entrepreneurship support, business registration assistance, and equipment provision to indigenous communities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). By partnering with SMEDAN, the NGO hopes to bring about inclusive economic development and restore the civic rights and cultural identity of the OIs, who have faced systemic marginalization since the nation's capital was moved from Lagos to Abuja.

Key Takeaways:

• The Mai Jagora Peace and Development Initiative has partnered with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) to empower indigenous communities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
• The partnership aims to provide access to entrepreneurship support, business registration assistance, and equipment provision to Abuja's Original Inhabitants (OIs).
• SMEDAN FCT manager, Mary Kolawole, welcomed the collaboration and reaffirmed the agency's readiness to work with credible organisations committed to grassroots empowerment.
• The NGO submitted a formal advocacy document outlining specific areas for collaboration, including targeted support for youth and women-led enterprises.
• The partnership seeks to address the long-standing challenges faced by Abuja's Original Inhabitants, particularly in terms of economic exclusion.
• Mai Jagora plans to organize a community outreach programme to educate residents on available schemes and directly engage with them.
• The partnership forms part of a broader mission to restore the civic rights and cultural identity of the OIs.

Statistics:

• The partnership aims to provide support to indigenous communities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
• SMEDAN has committed to supporting individuals with viable business interests through its partnership with Mai Jagora.