Dariya Development Initiative DDI

12/08/2026

05/08/2026

DARIYA DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE (DDI) invites the General Public to the Commemoration of the International Day of World's Indigenous Peoples.
Date: August 9, 2026
Venue: Primary Health Centre, Ushafa Community, FCT, Abuja
Theme: _Honouring Indigenous Midwives: Guardians of Life and Culture_

DARIYA DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE (DDI) will join the global community to mark the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples. This year, DDI focuses on celebrating and supporting Indigenous Midwives of the Gbagyi people of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

For generations, Gbagyi midwives have been custodians of maternal health, culture, and indigenous knowledge. Yet they work with limited support, while the Gbagyi community continues to face marginalization, poor access to education and basic infrastructure, and displacement of homes and farmlands for FCT development with inadequate compensation.

In line with this year’s focus, DDI will pay a well-being visit to Indigenous Midwives at the Ushafa Primary Health Centre*. The engagement will include health support, advocacy, and cultural showcases that reflect Gbagyi heritage.

DDI believes that honoring indigenous midwives is honoring the resilience of indigenous women and the future of our people. As we celebrate culture, we also amplify the call for justice, inclusion, and sustainable development for the Gbagyi people.

Together, let us preserve our identity, protect our mothers, and secure our future.

United United Nations Development Programme in Bangladesh FCT Indigenous Groups United Nations Office for Sustainable Development United Nations Human Rights UNICEF BwariArea CouncilPeople Solomon G Danjuma ATAZA Tv Abuja Original Inhabitants Youths Empowerment Organization Resource Center for Human Rights and Civic Education Relentless Indigenous Woman

04/08/2026

International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples | United Nations

Site on the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples. Here you will find information and related links.

31/07/2026

At the Zhepo Launch Event, Solomon Danjuma used traditional Gbagyi music and dance to promote unity and cultural heritage, directly aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and UNESCO standards for safeguarding intangible cultural heritage.

Promoting Culture and Sustainable DevelopmentTarget 11.4 (Safeguarding Heritage): Protecting local heritage through events like the Zhepo Launch aligns with UN goals to preserve indigenous cultural and natural heritage.

Fostering Social Cohesion (SDG 16): Traditional music and dance build peaceful, inclusive communities by strengthening identity and mutual respect among the Gbagyi people.Empowering Local Identity: Showcasing indigenous food, attire, and arts supports community-led sustainable development and cultural pride.

Alignment with United Nations and UNESCO Standards
The initiative closely matches the operational guidelines of the UNESCO 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.

UNESCO Standard Area Application at Zhepo Launch Oral Traditions & Performing Arts Transmission of historical Gbagyi narratives through rhythm, lyrics, and folk instrumentation. Social Practices and Festive Events Using a modern launch platform to stage community rituals, reinforcing collective Gbagyi identity.Community-Led Safeguarding Emphasizing that the Gbagyi community itself—led by figures like Solomon—must be the primary custodians of their heritage.

28/07/2024

Executive Director
Dariya Development Initiative DDI Abuja, Nigeria.

Hon. Solomon Danjuma Garda popularly known as MC Dariya.

Our dynamic and phenomenal Leader.