September 21, 2023

In commemoration of the 2023 International World Peace Day, the Special Monitoring Mission of the International Human Rights Commission IHRC in Nigeria sues for a peaceful and inclusive education system as an affirmative action for sustainable peace in society.

Speaking on Thursday 21 September during a courtesy visit call to the Governor of Abia State, H.E. Dr. Alex Otti ably represented by his Chief of Staff Pastor Caleb Ajagba at Government House Umuahia, the National Coordinator for the IHRC Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) in Nigeria, Engr. Elijah Vitus Echendu said through education we can empower our youth to become change agents, fostering a world free from violence, injustice, and inequality.

He noted that humans under the theme for the 2023 Peace Day on “Actions for Peace: Our Ambition for the #GlobalGoals” are united, encapsulating the urgent need for concerted efforts and collective action to foster peace, not only within the realm of education but also in our communities as a whole.

“The education sector plays a pivotal role in shaping the future leaders, innovators, and changemakers of our society. It equips our young minds with the necessary tools to navigate and contribute meaningfully to the world. However, the smooth functioning of academic activities is often hindered by various challenges we face as a society”, he hinted.

While attributing those challenges to the menace of cultism, he noted that cultism does not only pose a direct threat to the safety and well-being of students but also perpetuates a culture of violence and fear, adding that education should be a sanctuary where every child can flourish and grow without fear of harm or coercion.

Furthermore, we must recognize and address various other factors that hinder academic progress, including inadequate infrastructure, insufficient funding, child labor, and social biases.

On this International Day of Peace, let us reaffirm our commitment to the #GlobalGoals and take actions that promote peace within the education sector. Together, we can advocate for policies that prioritize the safety and well-being of students, eradicate cultism, eliminate child labor, and address other barriers to academic progress. Let us stand in solidarity with the students of Abia State and across the nation, affirming their right to a peaceful and inclusive education system.

Reported
Fidelis Onakpoma
Head, Media and Strategic Communications IHRC Nigeria

The post Int’l Peace Day: IHRC Meets Abia State Govt, Sues for Peaceful, Inclusive Education System first appeared on ihrc.news.

September 21, 2023

In the bid to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all, the Special Monitoring Mission of the International Human Rights Commission IHRC has reiterated its commitment to consolidate activities that promote sustainable development goals by creating an avenue for youth development, youth empowerment, and educational sustainable programs.

This was affirmed during a courtesy visit by the IHRC Special Monitoring Mission in Nigeria led by the National Coordinator Elijah Vitus Echendu to Governor Alex Otti, the Executive Governor of Abia State on Thursday 21 September, at the Government House Umuahia.

In an opening remark, the Organization’s Head of Media and Strategic Communications Mr. Fidelis Onakpoma said the Back to School Campaign with direct funding from Dr. Kingsley Nwokoma was specifically designed for schools in Abia State, to build and improve students with academic thrilling programs that will promote educational qualities, discourage drug abuse and cultism engagements, instill discipline, stimulate an improved reading culture, disciple and equip them with leadership qualities, and create an environment for gender equality and justice.

He noted that the conceptualization of the Project was based on recent trending social vices among school children particularly secondary schools, which have demeaned them by imbibing deviant behaviors and academic misbelief, such as ‘school na scam.’

Fidelis alarmed the deteriorating hypothesis among young people such as school na scam syndrome, yahoo-yahoo, involvement in a cult group with the assurance to gain protection or pass their exams without struggles, antisocial behaviors, etc.

Adding that the Campaign tends to discuss remedies that address these challenges drawing from experiences with vulnerable populations and showcasing notable interventions from several organizations and Donors such as Dr. Kingsley Nwokoma a philanthropist, a son of Abia state, and President of the Association of Foreign Airlines, and Representative in Nigeria.

“Having secured this partnership with the Abia-born philanthropist whose interest in youth development cannot be overstated, it is imperative to note that the Campaign will be accompanied by a donation of notebooks and literature materials to students across the 17 local government areas of Abia State, courtesy of him, Dr. Kingsley Nwokoma”, Fidelis said.

Meanwhile, Dr. Alex Otti represented by his Chief of Staff Pastor Caleb Ajagba, acknowledged the visit and the ‘Back to School Campaign Project’, asserting that it will help in reposition young people of Abia State.

He further noted that the government alone cannot make education thrive without the collaborative efforts of stakeholders whose contributions to fostering inclusive and equitable quality education remain unwavering.

Decrying the prevalent deviant behaviors amongst young people, which has made unscrupulous citizens capitalize on recruiting them as drug headers, prostitutes, political thugs, etc.

Pastor Ajagba reiterated the readiness of the State Government to partner with IHRC in the implementation of the Campaign, adding that the Project will redirect and mentor the minds of every Abia student to becoming a better person.

Other IHRC SMM Officials at the visit included: Comrade Philip Ikekwere, Comrade Sam Nwachukwu, Comrade Dan Obiakalije, Edith Monday, Blessing Eze, and Comrade Barr. Sandra.

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

The post Abia State Govt, IHRC, Collaborates Towards Back to School Campaign, Hails Nwokoma’s Partnership first appeared on ihrc.news.