A Model Initiative Promoting Community Health, Hygiene and Sustainable Practices in Nigeria

Ifo Market, Ogun State, Nigeria | 9 July 2025

Responding to the Call for Action

In a compelling demonstration of grassroots mobilisation, the Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) of the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) – Ogun State Chapter has launched a dynamic environmental sensitization campaign at Ifo Market, Ogun Central. This initiative directly responds to the renewed appeal issued by H.E. Ambassador Dr. Duru Hezekiah, Head of Diplomatic Mission of IHRC in Nigeria, who, during the June Alike Community Empowerment event, called upon all volunteers across Nigeria to intensify efforts within the IHRC Community Service Initiative. Ogun State SMM has fully embraced this mandate, reinforcing IHRC’s commitment to community empowerment and sustainable development.

Mobilising Volunteers for Sustainable Impact

On Wednesday, 9 July 2025, under the leadership of Comrade Kazeem Lukman, IHRC-SMM Ogun State Coordinator, an experienced team of volunteers—including Comrade Janet Onu, Comrade Elizabeth Loto, Dr. Imasuen Mike, Jimoh Kamoru, and Alh. Ganiyu Amao—conducted a comprehensive sanitation and environmental awareness programme at Ifo Market. Their objectives were twofold:

• To improve public hygiene through active market sanitation,
• And to educate and empower traders by raising awareness of best environmental practices.

“We are not just cleaning spaces; we are enlightening minds. This sensitization was about building healthier, more informed communities—starting right from the grassroots.” emphasised Comrade Lukman.

Knowledge, Policy, and Community Engagement

The campaign placed a strong focus on the environmental policies of the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA) and the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA), particularly regarding waste disposal, public hygiene, and sustainable practices. Market leaders and traders engaged enthusiastically in interactive sessions, actively participating in knowledge-sharing activities and welcoming the distribution of educational materials.

IHRC’s efforts were met with great interest:
Many traders expressed astonishment at the breadth of information received, resulting in lively discussions and a surge of questions. Market executives praised the initiative and formally expressed willingness to collaborate with IHRC on future outreach programmes.

Addressing Structural Gaps and Urgent Needs

While the campaign achieved significant progress in raising awareness, it also exposed critical infrastructural deficits—notably, the lack of proper waste disposal systems and limited access to potable water within the market. IHRC therefore urgently recommends:

• Immediate governmental intervention to provide clean water sources, waste bins, and essential sanitation logistics in public markets,
• Integration of these improvements into local and state-level policy frameworks to ensure long-term, sustainable hygiene.

Building on Momentum: Next Steps for Community Health

This sensitization campaign served as a strategic prelude to the scheduled environmental sanitation exercise in Ogun State on 10 July 2025, functioning as a vital seminar to bridge knowledge and practice gaps among key market stakeholders.

The volunteers extended their heartfelt appreciation to Comrade Elijah Vitus Echendu, National Coordinator of IHRC-SMM Nigeria, whose visionary leadership and continued mentorship provide crucial guidance to local chapters across the nation.

IHRC’s Global Mission Reflected Locally

This initiative is a clear testament to the IHRC’s global vision—delivering tangible, positive change within communities and strengthening the capacity of citizens to live with dignity, health, and peace.
The Ifo Market sensitization campaign will remain a benchmark for effective volunteerism and informed community service in Nigeria.

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

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Community Service Month Highlights Humanitarian Action and Collaborative Responsibility

Kaduna, Nigeria | July 2025

Strategic Support for Community Health at Yusuf Dantsoho Hospital

In a notable demonstration of community-driven humanitarian commitment, the Kaduna State Chapter of the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) has successfully implemented a comprehensive outreach programme at Yusuf Dantsoho Memorial Hospital, Tudun Wada, as part of this year’s Community Service Month.

Essential Donations and Sanitation Efforts

Under the leadership of State Coordinator Grace Yohanna, the IHRC team donated critical health supplies, including:

• Mosquito nets
• Bleach
• Izal (disinfectant)

The team also conducted an in-depth sanitation of the hospital premises, demonstrating IHRC’s holistic approach to healthcare support and prevention.

“Health is wealth,” – this core principle guided the activities, reflecting the Commission’s dedication to both immediate and long-term wellbeing in local communities.

Leadership Perspective: Building a Culture of Collaboration

Addressing the gathering, Grace Yohanna emphasised:

“If individuals don’t come together to help the government, how will the whole thing run?”

She urged corporations, NGOs, and international partners to join in such humanitarian endeavours:

“What we do today is for generations to come.”

Institutional Vision and Strategic Direction

This impactful service stands as a direct result of the vision and guidance of the National Coordinator of the Special Monitoring Mission, Comrade Elijah Vitus Echendu, whose strategic leadership consistently inspires grassroots initiatives nationwide.

Special commendation was extended to His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Duru Hezekiah, Head of Diplomatic Mission of IHRC in Nigeria, for his diplomatic foresight and institutional support, which underpin the Commission’s capacity for sustained humanitarian action.

Acknowledgement from Hospital Staff and Call for Broader Engagement

Nurse Jamaa Kandejo Echebet, representing the Accident and Emergency Unit, welcomed the IHRC delegation with heartfelt appreciation:

“We really appreciate it. Thank you.”

She stressed the practical benefits of the donated materials and called on the broader community to follow the IHRC’s example:

“This is not just for the hospital, but for the larger message of community engagement and responsibility.”

Sustaining Dignity, Health, and Hope

Through continued actions such as this, the IHRC Kaduna Chapter—under the national and diplomatic leadership of Comrade Echendu and Ambassador Dr. Hezekiah—reaffirms its commitment to dignity, health, and hope for all.

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

The post 🏥 IHRC Champions Grassroots Health Support at Yusuf Dantsoho Hospital in Kaduna first appeared on ihrc.news.

Bauchi, Nigeria, 3 June 2025 – In a significant demonstration of commitment to educational empowerment and youth development, the World Youth Movement – International Human Rights Commission (WYM-IHRC), in partnership with the MUMSA Initiative, has launched a major programme aimed at returning children to school in Bauchi State, Nigeria.

The initiative, entitled “Bring Back to School,” is designed to provide direct educational support to 1,000 children in the region, addressing the persistent challenges faced by vulnerable students and their families. This collaborative programme seeks to bridge the educational gap, ensuring that every child, regardless of background or socio-economic status, has access to quality learning opportunities.

As part of this effort, representatives of WYM-IHRC and the MUMSA Initiative visited Fuddiya Nursery and Primary School in Bauchi, where they delivered:

• Essential educational materials
• School uniforms
• Footwear
• Books
• Other critical learning resources

This comprehensive support package recognises the transformative role of education in the lives of young people, equipping them with the necessary tools to become the leaders and innovators of tomorrow.

Leadership and Partnership

The success of the “Bring Back to School” initiative reflects the effective collaboration between the WYM-IHRC Global Coordinator and the MUMSA Initiative Programme Manager. Their joint efforts underscore the value of partnership in advancing sustainable development goals and fostering a culture of civic engagement and social responsibility.

The World Youth Movement – International Human Rights Commission (WYM-IHRC) is an international platform dedicated to the advancement of fundamental human rights, youth capacity-building, and the promotion of active citizenship. Similarly, the MUMSA Initiative is committed to empowering future generations through targeted programmes in education and holistic well-being.

Impact and Recognition

This programme stands as a testament to the tangible results that can be achieved when individuals and organisations unite in pursuit of a shared vision. The presence and active participation of WYM-IHRC and MUMSA Initiative staff, alongside local stakeholders, exemplifies a collective dedication to uplifting young minds and championing universal access to education.

Issued by:
Sulaiman Ashiru
SMM Peace Ambassador
SMM MNVC & Global Coordinator of WYM at IHRCHQ

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