IHRC Anchors Street Sanitation, Commends Obio/Akpor Council Boss

Pilot Community Service Initiative Launches in Port Harcourt, Rivers State
June 12, 2025 – Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Community Service Initiative: Civic Responsibility in Action

In a vibrant demonstration of civic responsibility and grassroots mobilization, the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) Corporation in Nigeria has officially launched the pilot phase of its Community Service Initiative in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The inaugural event was confirmed by Comrade Sundrix Ogor, Coordinator of the IHRC Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) Rivers State Chapter, following a comprehensive environmental sanitation and public awareness campaign across all 17 wards of the Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.

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Environmental Sanitation and Public Awareness

The exercise targeted:

• Clearing blocked drainage systems
• Cleaning street roads
• Promoting public hygiene at local marketplaces

All activities were focused on instilling environmental consciousness and advancing sustainable urban living among the residents of Obio/Akpor. June has been officially designated by IHRC as Community Service Month in Nigeria, with the Port Harcourt event marking a key highlight of this national outreach.

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Local Government Endorsement

Sir Dr. Clifford Ndu Walter (DSSRS), Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor LGA, through his representative, the LGA Environmental Sanitation Chairman, Chief Amb. Comr. Chijioke Kennedy Akaninwa, lauded the initiative as “timely and impactful.”
He reaffirmed the Council’s strong support and willingness to deepen partnership with IHRC, emphasizing that such collaborations are vital to community resilience and a clean, safe environment.

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IHRC’s Humanitarian Vision

In his keynote remarks, Comrade Ogor reiterated that the IHRC Community Service Initiative is a humanitarian outreach programme designed to promote human dignity, social justice, and peace through volunteer-driven engagement.
He acknowledged the contribution of the National Coordinator of IHRC SMM Nigeria, Comrade Elijah Vitus Echendu, for successfully mobilising local resources and goodwill to benefit underserved communities.

“This outreach reflects IHRC’s dedication to not just defending rights, but promoting dignity and peace through practical, people-focused engagement,”
he stated.

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Reinforcing Global and Local Commitments

Comrade Ogor highlighted that the Initiative aligns with the global call to action on public welfare, environmental safety, and inclusive development. He commended the Council Boss for his proactive leadership, noting that the day’s success demonstrates the power of unified community action.

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IHRC National Leadership Perspective

H.E. Ambassador Dr. Duru Hezekiah, IHRC Ambassador-at-Large and Head of Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria, underlined that the Initiative demonstrates the IHRC’s unwavering commitment to defending human rights, driving multi-sectoral engagement across Nigeria.
He affirmed the organization’s broader mission:

Uphold human rights, advance public welfare, foster peace, and empower local communities for sustainable development.

He further announced plans to replicate the initiative nationwide, urging all SMM Officials to maintain their commitment and actively participate in future programmes.

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Participation and Team Acknowledgements

Among the key IHRC SMM Officials present and instrumental in the campaign were:
Comrades Otuedon Nunu, Chukudi Ossai, Akuegbu Gabriel, Owujie Edwin, and Godspower Wutche—all played critical roles in mobilising and executing the sanitation drive.

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“What we do today, we do for generations.” – IHRC Nigeria

By Fidelis Onakpoma
Head Media & Strategic Communications IHRC Nigeria