In addressing the imperative of social inclusion, we explore a working framework and specific principles that guide the transition from social exclusion to inclusion. The focus is on empowering the original inhabitants of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Nigeria.
This discussion is informed by ongoing engagement with policy briefs encompassing essential themes such as inclusion in employment and empowerment programs. Social inclusion, fundamentally, is a process born out of intentional actions, not a mere activity.
It necessitates accurate and comprehensive data, specifically targeting excluded and vulnerable communities like FCT’s original inhabitants. Informed decisions stem from periodic audits, creating a baseline for subsequent actions and enabling implementation mechanisms.
Policies and regulations should operationalize these mechanisms, emphasizing representation, involvement, and engagement of the excluded communities. The journey towards social inclusion is participatory, requiring strong governmental leadership and active community involvement. Furthermore, it demands a societal shift in practices and processes, aligning with inclusive principles.
For the FCT’s original inhabitants, urgent steps are needed to foster inclusion in employment and empowerment programs. This includes forming a central coordination committee involving relevant stakeholders and establishing inclusion committees within each entity. These committees, steered by FCT’s original inhabitants, will employ a structured framework and principles to drive inclusive processes.
Principle 1: Informed Action through Data and Audits
Social inclusion is not just a concept; it’s a deliberate and intentional process that hinges on accurate and comprehensive data. Understanding this, we advocate for a thorough, comprehensive audit process to assess the status of socially excluded communities, pinpointing weaknesses, barriers, opportunities, and strengths. Adequate data, disaggregated to reflect the diverse society, is foundational.
Principle 2: Policy Enablers for Inclusion
Implementing policies and regulatory frameworks that align with the audit findings and recommendations is vital. These frameworks should ensure representation, involvement, and engagement of the targeted excluded communities in all spheres of societal processes.
Principle 3: Community-Led Initiatives
Empowering the targeted excluded communities to drive and lead the design and implementation of the frameworks for social inclusion is crucial. A participatory, multi-stakeholder approach, emphasizing the autonomy of the community, is essential for sustainable change and social transformation.
Principle 4: Reward and Punishment Mechanism
A structured mechanism, with adequate authority vested in the members and representatives of the excluded community, is needed to enforce compliance and facilitate the transition from exclusion to inclusion. This mechanism should act as a catalyst for driving inclusion.
Principle 5: Socioeconomic Integration
The institutions and processes within society, be it workers’ organizations, businesses, or societal practices, must reflect the inclusion of the targeted excluded community. This inclusivity should be woven into employment, human capacity development, basic social services delivery, and support for entrepreneurship.
Addressing the historical challenges faced by FCT’s original inhabitants necessitates a deliberate, participatory, and equitable intervention. The goal is to enable them to enjoy full citizenship and a sustainable socioeconomic future. Key recommendations include political structure reform, implementing best practices, fostering coordination among government agencies, affirmative action, and engaging with the FCT Original Inhabitants Charter of Demands.
Additionally, a comprehensive audit and review of the impact of the 1976 decision to establish Abuja City and the FCT is urgently required to address the situation equitably. addressing historical challenges faced by FCT’s original inhabitants necessitates a deliberate, participatory, and equitable intervention. The goal is to enable them to enjoy full citizenship and a sustainable socioeconomic future.
Key recommendations include political structure reform, implementing best practices, fostering coordination among government agencies, affirmative action, and engaging with the FCT Original Inhabitants Charter of Demands. Additionally, a comprehensive audit and review of the impact of the 1976 decision to establish Abuja City and the FCT is urgently required to address the situation equitably.
