IHRC Advocates for Unity, Designates Officials, Unveils 2025 Project

The Transnational Intergovernmental Organization – International Human Rights Commission -IHRC in Nigeria, has called for the harnessing of the nation’s diversity to foster unity and sustainable development while unveiling its 2025 Intervention and Advocacy Project.

On Wednesday, 11 December 2024, a one-day symposium was held in Abuja, titled “Unity in Diversity: Embracing Freedom, Equality, and Dignity for All,” where the announcement was made to mark the 2024 Universal Human Rights Day.

In his remarks, Ambassador-at-Large and Head of the IHRC Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Duru Hezekiah, emphasized the importance of inclusive governance in leveraging Nigeria’s rich multicultural and multi-ethnic composition.

He said Nigeria’s diversity presents both opportunities and challenges for human rights. By promoting inclusive governance, we can turn our diversity into a tool for mutual understanding and national unity, highlighting recurring ethnic and religious conflicts as barriers to unity and calling for interfaith and intercultural dialogue.

He also unveiled the IHRC’s 2025 project, which aims to empower rural communities through direct partnerships with traditional rulers. The initiative will focus on mobile health clinics, borehole installations, health education programs, and microfinance support for small businesses and agriculture.

In the same vein, the Federal Minister-Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, emphasized the need for peace and sustainable economic solutions to address Nigeria’s humanitarian challenges. He noted that despite the country’s religious and ethnic diversity, Nigerians face common issues rooted in humanity.

He observed that no humanitarian problem is solved by humanitarian solutions; they require peace and sustainable economic reforms.”

Dr. Yilwatda further revealed that his mandate from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was to deliver “human peace” through the ministry’s initiatives.

Acknowledging the struggles Nigerians face, he appealed for prayers to successfully fulfill the president’s vision of alleviating their suffering. “I know the pains Nigerians are passing through. All I ask is for your prayers so I can provide the human peace Nigerians need,” he concluded.

The Keynote speaker, Mike Ozekhome, SAN, lamented Nigeria’s widespread corruption and human rights abuses. He called for a new constitution to address systemic issues, noting, “Nigeria is a great country, but to achieve greatness, we must manage our diversity effectively.”

Ambassador Dr. Duru Hezekiah concluded with an appeal for collective support to achieve the 2025 agenda. “Together, we can build a Nigeria where freedom, equality, and dignity are upheld for all,” he maintained.

The event also featured the inauguration of new IHRC officials, including Ambassador Dr. Malami Shehu Ma’Aji (Special Advisor on Intergovernmental Affairs for Africa), Chief Paul Ochemba (Advisor on Special Monitoring Mission in Nigeria), and Dr. Kingsley Nwokoma (IHRC Commissioner in Nigeria).

In response, Ambassador Dr. Malami Shehu Ma’Aji MFR, who was designated IHRC Special Advisor on Intergovernmental Affairs for the Africa Region, expressed gratitude to the IHRC for considering him qualified for the role and emphasized that everyone has the right to their rights. He also urged all branches of government to cooperate in advancing human rights.

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