The indigenous inhabitants of Abuja have called on policymakers to provide them with a platform for preserving and promoting their cultural heritage.

They made the call during a public presentation of a book titled ‘Odyssey of A Rootsman: The Biography of Yunana Dawudu’ in Abuja on Sunday.

They argued that the platform would create opportunities for the Abuja indigenous groups to discuss their history and cultural heritage, including threats and other burning issues that affect them.

This, according to them, would serve as a catalyst for meaningful dialogue, self-examination, and positive action in their collective journey toward progress and prosperity.

They added that the fora, devoid of any political and religious colouration, would promote their values of hard work, patience, forthrightness, and integrity.

One of them, Richard Daudu, said despite the level of progress in the nation’s capital, the indigenous people still faced political and economic deprivations, among other challenges.

Mr Daudu emphasised the need for the indigenous people to be encouraged to tell their stories to prevent distortion of their history and legacies.

He described the book launch as one of the ways people could tell their stories.

Mr Daudu said that the book transcends beyond a biography of the life and times of Yunana Dawudu to a testament to the enduring spirit of humanity and the power of perseverance.

“The biography paints a vivid picture of the environment and culture in which Dawudu and his contemporaries thrived despite the challenges they faced.

“Our gathering today is not merely the presentation of a book; it is a celebration of heritage, a call to action, and a testament to the importance of storytelling.

“As we navigate through the pages of Yunana Dawudu’s life, let us not only celebrate his legacy but also reflect on our own journeys,” Mr Daudu said.

While presenting the book, Zephaniah Jisalo, Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, re-echoed the need for the indigenous people to preserve and showcase their cultural heritage.

Mr Jisalo, however, expressed optimism that President Bola Tinubu’s administration would give the people the needed “air to breathe,” as evidenced by his appointment as a member of Mr Tinubu’s cabinet.

He urged his people to leverage the constitutional amendment by the National Assembly to push for more legislative seats, which he described as crucial to their quest for improved inclusion in governance.

Philip Aduda, who represented the FCT in the Ninth Senate, described the biography as an eye-opener and a reference book for the younger generation to learn from the experiences and exploits of the old.

Abdullahi Candido, former chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council, described Mr Dawudu as one of the connecting rods between the old and the new generations of FCT inhabitants.

Mr Candido said Mr Dawudu agitated, promoted, and encouraged his people to be receptive to the different kinds of people flowing into Abuja, the new Nigeria and home to all.

The celebrant, Mr Dawudu, an octogenarian, described his biography, co-authored by Chukwuemeka Chukwudi and Msurshima Chenge as a masterpiece that would interest students of social sciences and historians.

(NAN)