LAGOS, NIGERIA — The African Union, in collaboration with the Global Excellence Summit Committee, proudly honored the Ambassador-at-Large and Head of Diplomatic Mission of the International Human Rights Commission-IHRC Corporation in Nigeria, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Duru Hezekiah, with the prestigious Agenda 2063 Women’s Impact Award on “Global Excellence in Diplomacy and Leadership: Africa’s Path to Prosperity”, during the Global Excellence Summit held on 24th May 2025 at the Oriental Hotel, Lagos State.

This distinguished recognition celebrates Dr. Hezekiah’s exceptional leadership, unwavering dedication, and transformative impact in advancing the goals of Agenda 2063, particularly as they pertain to women’s empowerment, education, innovation, and inclusive development across Africa.

A respected diplomat, humanitarian, and development advocate, Dr. Duru has long championed initiatives aimed at creating equitable opportunities for women and girls, fostering sustainable community development, and shaping policy dialogue across the continent. His commitment to building an Africa driven by its people, especially women and youth, aligns perfectly with the African Union’s vision of an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful continent.

Presenting the award, representatives of the African Union commended Dr. Duru for his visionary approach to empowering future generations through education, capacity building, and socio-economic development programs. They emphasized the significance of his contributions in advancing the implementation of Agenda 2063 Aspiration 6, which envisions “an Africa whose development is people-driven, relying on the potential offered by African people, especially its women and youth, and caring for children.”

In his acceptance speech, Dr. Duru Hezekiah expressed deep gratitude to the African Union and the Summit Committee, stating:

“This award is not just a personal honor; it is a reaffirmation of our collective responsibility to uplift, empower, and invest in women across the continent. Africa’s future lies in the strength and vision of its women, and I remain committed to advancing that cause at every level.”

He reiterated the role of IHRC in the Nigerian Policy on Business and Human Rights, which constitutes a vital component of a broader global initiative aimed at ensuring that businesses consistently adhere to international human rights standards throughout their operations and supply chains.

This policy is directly aligned with prominent international frameworks, notably the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs), which clearly delineate the obligations of states and enterprises in preventing human rights abuses.

He assured IHRC’s continued efforts and steadfast commitment in Nigeria and across Africa to holding businesses accountable for their human rights responsibilities, actively advocating for enhanced human rights protections within the corporate sector.

“Additionally, as Ambassador-at-Large and Head of Diplomatic Mission IHRC Nigeria, I do not claim sole credit for these accomplishments. I am indebted to all those who have contributed to it, and most especially Prof. h.c. Rafał Marcin Wasik, Secretary-General and Global Chairman of the International Human Rights Commission, for the encouragement and platform reposed on me; his vast contributions to the improvement of people’s lives and maintaining peace in the world have left an indelible mark on society”.

The Global Excellence Summit 2025 brought together influential leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and change-makers from across Africa and beyond, under the theme: “Leadership, Legacy, and the Future of Africa.” Dr. Duru’s award stood out as one of the summit’s highlights, symbolizing his critical leadership role in Africa’s development agenda.

Signed:

Fidelis Onakpoma
Head Media and Strategic Communications IHRC Nigeria

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According to him, the day reaffirms our dedication to empowering girls’ aspirations, combating gender stereotypes, providing mentorship, ensuring equal access to opportunities, promoting healthy relationships, and driving positive reinforcement aimed at enhancing girls’ education and skills development.
 
He stressed that education should not be categorised as a gender-specific responsibility, while detrimental gender stereotypes must be confronted.

He asserted that through collective action, a better world can be realised where every girl has the opportunity to thrive and realise her full potential, noting that empowering girls yields universal benefits.

In another development, and as part of activities marking the International Girl Child, the Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) of the International Human Rights Commission -IHRC in Delta State undertook a visit to St. Gokate High School, Obiaruku, located in Ukwuani LGA.

Fidelis Onakpoma, Regional Coordinator for South-South at IHRC SMM, led the delegation comprising Sharon Tedeke, Anslem Eyimofe Uyala, Rotarian, and Paul Opia.

The team underscored education as the vital component of girls’ empowerment, pointing out its substantial impact on community development and fostering a culture that values inclusivity, creativity, and sustained growth.

The team issued an additional call to action, encouraging parents and the community at large to confront and overcome societal norms and stereotypes that hinder girls’ growth, stressing the essential partnership between parents, educators, community leaders, and policymakers in establishing a supportive environment for girls to thrive.

“We must dedicate ourselves to enabling a generation of Nigerian girls whose goals and dreams are deeply valued, respected, and supported.”

Recall that the International Human Rights Commission -IHRC is a Transnational Intergovernmental Organization led by Secretary-General Prof. Rafał Marcin Wasik, IHRC World Chairman, and H.E. Ambassador Dr. Duru Hezekiah, Nigeria’s Ambassador-at-Large/Head of Diplomatic Mission.

Its Special Monitoring Mission in Nigeria, headed by Engr. Comrade Elijah Vitus Echendu, provides support to victims of human rights violations, conducts fact-finding missions and investigations, and engages in advocacy with local stakeholders, governments, and civil society.

Reported:
Fidelis Onakpoma
Head Media and Strategic Communications, IHRC Nigeria

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Towards 2024 World Humanitarian Day, the Transnational Intergovernmental Organization International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) in Nigeria has reiterated its efforts to achieve the Zero-Hunger Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2.

Commence Feed Street Children Initiative to relieve the suffering of street children amid a persistent surge in hunger and food insecurity, fueled by a complex interplay of factors globally.

With economic hardship fueling debate and tension among Nigerian leaders and citizens to protest, the Commission’s Ambassador-at-Large/Head of Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Duru Hezekiah, formerly appealed to Nigerians not to embark on protest but rather give dialogue a chance because dialogue was the most effective way to build consensus and resolve conflicts in any society.

Mitigating immediate attention and coordinated global efforts to alleviate this critical humanitarian challenge, the IHRC has come up with this initiative to cushion unavoidable feelings of pain and hunger and to reach as many children as possible with effective, low-cost solutions to counter the biggest threat to their survival- hunger!

The National Coordinator for IHRC Special Monitoring Mission in Nigeria, Engr. Comrade Elijah Vitus Echendu disclosed this in a statement on Thursday at Owerri.

He said the global issue of hunger and food insecurity has shown an alarming increase since 2015, a trend exacerbated by a combination of factors including the pandemic, conflict, climate change, deepening inequalities, and the wake of a persistent hike in food prices in the country.

“Most often, when you listen to the people who find themselves on the street, the story is simple: they have to find a means of survival”.

We embrace the month of August with emphasis on World Humanitarian Day, celebrated every 19th, and we are using this opportunity to begin the IHRC Feeds Street Children in Nigeria from Owerri in Imo State.

Comrade Elijah further appreciated the National Adviser to the IHRC Special Monitoring Mission in Nigeria, Engr. John Paul Ochemba – a philanthropist worthy of emulation, for supporting H.E. Ambassador Dr. Duru Hezekiah and sponsoring the Feeding Street Children project in Owerri, adding that over 500 Street Children will benefit from today’s flag-off in Owerri.

He noted that Engr Ochemba has expressed readiness to support the implementation of the project across other parts of Nigeria.

“The Organization is now relied upon to coordinate humanitarian relief of emergencies and emphasized the need for the government to support farmers, including subsidizing production inputs, and providing necessary measures that uphold the rights of Nigerians, particularly children in the time of humanitarian crises”, he maintained.

Reported:
Fidelis Onakpoma
Head Media and Strategic Communications IHRC Nigeria

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As part of a commitment to commemorate it, the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) in Nigeria has called for urgent and comprehensive action by national and state actors against human trafficking.

IHRC’s Ambassador-at-Large/Head of Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Duru Hezekiah, in his statement through the Head of Media and Strategic Communications, Mr. Fidelis Onakpoma, said human trafficking is one of the most heinous crimes of our time.

According to him, human trafficking undermines the security of states because it is related to organized crime and corruption, and because some traffickers deal not only in people but also in drugs, weapons, and other goods.

But most obviously, trafficking violates the human rights of trafficked persons who are exploited, raped, and sometimes killed.

Dr. Duru noted that the International Human Rights Commission-IHRC in Nigeria has an MOU with the National Prohibition for the Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), working together in the fight against human trafficking across the Nigerian States.

He said the fight against human trafficking has three components: the prosecution of traffickers, the protection of trafficked persons, and the prevention of trafficking.

He further urged governments not to leave any child behind in the fight against human trafficking but rather explore comprehensive action by establishing a task force on human trafficking in respective states to help in identifying victims, investigating networks, disrupting operations, and prosecuting traffickers.

“The force should comprise of major state actors such as the Attorney General/Commissioner of Justice, NAPTIP, Commissioners of Women Affairs and Information, the NDLEA, Officers of the Nigeria Police and Migration, amongst others”, he maintained.

Reported:
Fidelis Onakpoma
Head Media and Strategic Communications IHRC Nigeria

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It was an Interactive Session Organised by the ECOWAS Parliament in Partnership with the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) in Nigeria.

In the presentation tagged, “Human Rights Situation in the West African Region”, he emphasized the human rights violations in Africa such as human trafficking, child labor, gender-based violence (GBV), and discrimination at all levels, including the lack of quality education and access to justice, etc.

He noted that international standards recognize access to justice as both a basic human right and a means to protect other universally recognized human rights.

“The International Human Rights Commission has been positively verified over the years by state and local authorities as well as organizations operating supranational as well as locally in over 100 countries around the world”.

Adding that the primary goal of the IHRC Group is to promote and implement the legislation, customs, and standards applicable to the full extent of HUMAN RIGHTS and all the resulting principles of local and international coexistence. Respect for these principles applies to everyone, everywhere in the world. And because one of the fundamental human rights is to live in peace, a key task for the IHRC Group is to work with national governments to seek and promote peace.

In his recommendation, he said:

1. That building institution-centered justice systems, combating crime and corruption, and defending human rights are crucial to nation-building.
2. Promoting the Rule of Law: engaging a highly consultative approach to the delivery of accountable framework, and policy, working with the justice sector and local stakeholders to develop programs that are responsive to African needs and interests should be prioritized by our African leaders.

Reported:
Fidelis Onakpoma
Head Media and Strategic Communications IHRC Nigeria

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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Delta State Command, has reiterated its commitment to partner with the International Human Rights Commission-IHRC in curbing the alarming drug abuse challenging our society.

The assurances were made by the State Commander CN Abubakar Wada Esq on Wednesday during a courtesy call visit to the Command by the Special Monitoring Mission of the International Human Rights Commission-IHRC in the South-South Region Nigeria led by Fidelis Onakpoma.

Fidelis in his opening remark, conveyed the commendation of the IHRC’s Head of Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Duru Hezekiah to the Commander for his unwavering commitment to the war against drug menace in the state since his resumption of duty in Delta State, and also acknowledged the counseling and rehabilitation services being rendered by the Delta State Command, as he has first-hand seen drug dependent persons who have been transformed after being at the facility.

He noted that the International Human Rights Commission-IHRC is a Transnational Intergovernmental Organization with headquarters in Zurich Switzerland and a Nigeria Diplomatic Office in Abuja, stressing that the Organization’s Special Monitoring Mission scope of activities is but not limited to community services, advocacy, and campaigns, sensitization and training, and monitoring/ensuring of human rights compliance.

While urging the Commander to continue in his good fight against drug abuse, he further prayed for more poignant collaboration between the Agency and the Commission particularly in the areas of sensitization and advocacy programs which the Command often embarks.

The State commander in his response, expressed his gratitude to the IHRC’s Head of Diplomatic Mission and its National Coordinator for the Special Monitoring Mission in Nigeria, Comrade Elijah Vitus Echendu as well as the Team who came visiting.

He reiterated the Agency’s readiness to synergize with the IHRC towards achieving a more drug-free Delta in compliance with human rights laws.

Reported:
Comrade Emmanuel Ogunti
IHRC SMM, Delta State.

Editorial:
Fidelis Onakpoma
Head Media and Strategic Communications IHRC Nigeria.
NGA.15.05.2024

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Reported by the Department of Media and Strategic Communications IHRC Nigeria
Friday 8, 2024

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NGA: The World Day of Social Justice observed annually on February 20th, serves as a reminder of the importance of promoting social justice for all. It is an opportunity to raise awareness, foster dialogue, and take collective action to address the root causes of social injustices.
On the occasion of the World Day of Social Justice, the International Human Rights Commission-IHRC emphasizes the importance of bridging gaps and building alliances to promote social justice in Nigeria, Africa, and beyond.

The Commission’s Ambassador-at-Large and Head of Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Duru Hezekiah in a statement made available by his media team, said the day serves as a reminder of the need to address social inequalities, discrimination, and human rights violations, and to work towards creating a more equitable and inclusive society for all individuals.

IHRC recognizes that no single entity can tackle these challenges alone, therefore, it emphasizes the need for collaboration and building alliances among individuals, organizations, and governments.

“It is imperative that we work together to address the systemic injustices that plague our communities and perpetuate inequality. We must strive to create a society where every individual is treated with dignity, respect, and fairness, regardless of their background or circumstances”, he noted.

By standing in solidarity with one another and advocating for the rights of the marginalized and oppressed, we can bring about lasting transformation and create a more just and inclusive society for future generations, “ Because what we do today we do for generations”, he added.

He urged government at all levels, organizations, and institutions to bridge the gaps and build alliances that will empower the people to create a better world for all.

He maintained that the IHRC is ready to collaborate with governments, organizations, and individuals to promote social justice and ensure that every person’s rights are protected and respected.

Signed
Fidelis Onakpoma
Head, Media and Strategic Communications IHRC Nigeria

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_____________________
H.E. Ambassador Dr. Duru HezekiahAmbassador-at-Large/Head of Diplomatic Mission, IHRC Nigeria.

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Fidelis who doubles as the South-South Regional Coordinator for the Special Monitoring Mission, said the nomination was largely due to Ahon’s contribution to IHRC, his public achievements, exemplification of outstanding leadership, and stature in society, which can help the organization achieve her mission by enhancing the organization’s credibility, and modeling different ideals of leadership.

“As a Patron, you will contribute to IHRC SMM’s leadership development programs in Delta State by sharing insights, experiences, and other enriching leadership perspectives” he highlighted.

“Leverage your networks to encourage other renowned leaders to contribute their time and knowledge to the intellectual enrichment of the IHRC SMM in Delta State”, he added.

The International Human Rights Commission-IHRC is a Transnational Intergovernmental Organization with world headquarters in Zurich Switzerland, having its Diplomatic Representation in the Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs Department of the European Union.

In Nigeria, its Diplomatic Mission is headed by H.E. Ambassador Dr. Duru Hezekiah, while the Special Monitoring Mission is led by Engr. Comrade Elijah Vitus Echendu.

Reported
Fidelis Onakpoma,
Head, Media and Strategic Communications IHRC Nigeria

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