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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He said that according to ILO, the UN has warned that the absence of mitigating strategies could pose an exponential increase in the number of children engaged in child labour, which would certainly have massive implications for the future.

He added that child labour such as hawkings and other forms of modern slavery on Nigeria highways are identified gaps that call for concerted efforts from all stakeholders in the development of monitoring infrastructure to determine and measure the magnitude, transportation, dimensions, and characteristics of child labor at the national and state roads of Nigeria.

“We are very optimistic about the credibility of the technical support and mitigation strategies that will emerge from our partnerships and how they can enhance the conduct of road marshals in responding to issues of child labour while discharging their duties”, he maintained.

While responding, the Corps Marshal, Dauda Ali Biu, FCNA, CPA, ably represented by ACM Pauline P. Olaye commended the Special Monitoring Mission of the International Human Rights Commission, noting that FRSC has been working on advocacy programs for schools, churches, mosques, and market places to improve awareness of people against some of these menaces including child labour.

She also urged IHRC to focus sensitization programs in such places particularly schools and churches where children can be taught at their early stage in life.

Meanwhile, the duo groups reinstated the establishment of the Human Rights Desk at the FRSC, Special Marshal Unit at IHRC, alongside the Training of FRSC personnel on Human Rights Perspectives by IHRC.

Other SMM Officials at the meeting were Fidelis Onakpoma, Head of Media and Strategic Communications IHRC Nigeria; Comrade Adèoye David, Zonal Volunteers Coordinator Abuja; Comrade Odion Ikyo, Assistant Zonal Volunteers Coordinator in Abuja; Comrade Nnamdi Christian from the ICT Department; Comrade Devine Erochukwu, Social Welfare and Oseghale Marian O.


Reported
Fidelis Onakpoma
Head, Media and Strategic Communications, IHRC Nigeria.
July 11th, 2023.

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Nigeria: The Special Monitoring Mission of the International Human Rights Commission (SMM IHRC) in Abuja joined the world in commemoration of the 2023 World Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking at Jordan 93.9FM.

The program led by the Zonal Volunteers Coordinator in Abuja, Comrade Adèoye David flanked by other Volunteers, Comrade Paul and Divine was done to create awareness and enlighten the public on the abuse of drugs.

Scholars have argued that tens of millions of people suffer from drug use disorders while less than one-fifth are in treatment.

Drug users are doubly victimized: first by the harmful effects of the drugs themselves, and second by the stigma and discrimination they face.

People who use drugs can often face significant barriers to treatment and even health services for infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS and hepatitis. Meanwhile, drug traffickers continue to prey on drug users, rapidly escalating the production of dangerous, highly addictive synthetic drugs.

This year’s International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking focuses on the need to put people first by ending stigma and discrimination and strengthening prevention.

This means stressing rehabilitation, rather than punishment and incarceration for minor drug offenses. It means upholding the human rights of people who use drugs, including by expanding prevention and treatment programs and health services.

It also means protecting people and communities alike by ending impunity for drug traffickers profiting from people’s pain. See pictures below:

Reported:
Adeoye David,
IHRC SMM’S Zonal Coordinator Abuja

Editorial:
Fidelis Onakpoma
Editor-in-Chief, IHRC Worldwide

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Preface
The Transnational Intergovernmental Organization, International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) has its world headquarters in Zurich Switzerland under the absolute leadership of Secretary-General Prof h.c. Rafal Marcin Wasik.

It is headed in Nigeria by the Ambassador at Large and Head of Diplomatic Mission, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Duru Hezekiah, who was appointed on the 16th of September 2022 after a comprehensive and legitimate background check on him came out justifiable. Before his official appointment, he was Acting Head of Mission IHRC Nigeria from April to September 2022.

The IHRC, highly experienced and specialized in peace negotiation and a humanitarian aid provider has a Diplomatic Representation to the Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs (HOME) of the European Commission. IHRC is also a self-financed, neutral, impartial, and independent organization.

Meanwhile, H.E. Dr. Duru Hezekiah was appointed the Ambassador at Large and Head of the Diplomatic Mission IHRC Nigeria to uphold trust, foster collaboration, negotiate and resolve conflicts, and influence positive outcomes both in humanitarian interventions and advocacy between the Transnational Intergovernmental Organization- IHRC and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Upon his assumption of office in 2022, he has engendered cooperation and reforms that spur Economic Development and Inclusive Leadership, an undaunted apperception in the history of IHRC in the Africa Continent.

Background
IHRC Nigeria, a Prelude to Africa’s Cooperation and Reforms for Economic Development and Inclusive Leadership that Represents Africa is generally attributed in recognition of the unwavering commitments of H.E. Ambassador Dr Duru Hezekiah to the International Human Rights Commission. His undaunted efforts speak volumes and transcended the Organization to a colossus strides.

These landmarks are shortly reported as follows:
Securing of IHRC Diplomatic Office at the Centre of Abuja, Improving IHRC Operations, and Reducing Burnout by employing not less than 12 staff whose salaries are singlehandedly taken care of by him, First to Organize IHRC Assembly, Comprehensive Security Cooperation and Reforms with the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Humanitarian and Disaster Interventions, A call for a Peaceful Coexistence and Inclusion Governance to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Also, Thrilling Activities of 16-Days of Activism to end violence against women, Women and Girls Empowerment at IDP Camps, Prison Congestion and Advocacy on Inmates Rights, Continued Comprehensive Security Cooperation, and Meeting Nigeria Police Force Secretary.

The signing of MOU with the Inter-Party Advisory Council of Nigeria (IPAC), Coalition of Civil Society Group of Nigeria in the fight against illegal immigration and human trafficking, IHRC INEC’s Accreditation as Election Observer, IHRC Advocacy on Crime Prevention, IHRC Educational Project, High-level Delegation Visit to Nigeria’s Interior, Minister Rauf Aregbesola.

Conclusion
Imbibing to the words of the IHRC Secretary General, Prof. h.c. Rafal Marcin Wasik, says, “Every morning I wake up with new ideas and energy to create and search for new solutions. In life, I am guided by the words “Because what we do today, we do for Generations…” I believe that I have a chance, even to a small extent, to contribute to the improvement of people’s lives and maintain peace in the world.” These words are of great inspiration to members of IHRC globally.

Going by this undisputed inspiration by the Secretary-General, Dr. Duru Hezekiah is one of the unrepentant confidants and believers of Prof. Rafal Marcin Wasik, creating and improving lives and solutions for all.

Recall that IHRC Nigeria Central Office is located at 9 Cotonu Crescent Wuse Zone 6 FCT Abuja. Additional information about us can be found on our official website at www.ihrchq.org, while our email address is nigeria@ihrchq.org

Reported by the Department of Media and Strategic Communications, IHRC Nigeria.

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The Special Monitoring Mission of the International Human Rights Commission, SMM IHRC, in Nigeria has expressed deep concern over the exorbitant charges levied by Point of Sale (PoS) operators and the distressing increase in house rents plaguing Delta Communities. These issues are believed to contribute significantly to social vices within the state.

The National Coordinator, Elijah Vitus Echendu, represented by the South-South Coordinator, Fidelis Onakpoma, made the call during the presentation of the National Consolidation Award to the Divisional Police Officers in charge of Agbarho, CSP Samuel Ugadu Ogwa, and Abraka, SP Ayameh Fabian Emehi, in Delta State.

Elijah, the National Coordinator, stated that PoS operators in Nigeria raised transaction charges due to the scarcity of new naira notes, as the demand for cash continued in banks across the country. However, the situation has relatively improved compared to before.

Regrettably, PoS operators in the University community of Abraka and its surrounding areas in Delta State charge their customers an average of N1,000 for every N10,000 withdrawal- a blatant exploitation occurring in broad daylight, despite the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) directive on cash dispensation by commercial banks, he pointed out.

He emphasized that Blaise Ijebor, the Director of the CBN Risk Management Department, had previously disclosed efforts made by the apex bank and the state government to ensure the availability of cash in circulation.

According to Elijah, the approved charge for every N5,000 withdrawal is N100, and any deviation from the approved charges by the agents due to the ongoing cash crisis amounts to punishing their fellow citizens.

He also lamented the distressing increase in house rents, noting that most tenants and those seeking new accommodations are struggling to cope as rental prices for residential apartments have skyrocketed in many developing Nigerian towns over the past year.

Acknowledging that the pressure to meet high rental costs could lead to involvement in illegal activities, thus exacerbating social vices, he advised the government to revitalize the economy and implement measures to facilitate its recovery. Elijah also urged landlords to exercise leniency when raising rents.

During the award presentation, Fidelis Onakpoma stated that they were assigned by the Special Monitoring Mission to honor the officers in recognition of their efforts in combating crime, promoting community cohesion, and raising civic awareness. He called upon the CBN Governor, the Inspector General of Police, the Delta State Government, and other stakeholders to take responsibility for addressing the concerns raised by the organization. Also, toiletries items were also donated to the Abraka Police Station to help keep their formation centre neat and healthy.

Reported:
Fidelis Onakpoma
SMM IHRC RVC, South-South Nigeria

The post Int’l Human Rights Commission, SMM, Decries Outrageous PoS Charges, Hike in House Rents in Delta Communities first appeared on ihrc.news.

Education: The National Coordinator Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) of the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) Nigeria, Comrade Elijah Vitus Echendu reiterates their commitment to supporting education as a fundamental human right.

Elijah in correspondence with the IHRC Media unit said he has credibly secured a partnership with IHRC Diplomatic Mission Nigeria, to commence the free distribution of the Organization notebooks to selected schools in Nigeria, stressing that the exercise shall kick off on Thursday 19th January 2023 at GSS-Government Secondary School, Airport Road Jabi Abuja.

He maintained that the initiative is an appraisal effort of the IHRC Ambassador at Large and Head of Diplomatic Mission Nigeria, Ambassador Dr. Duru Hezekiah; towards upholding the universal declaration of the right to education.

He said subsequently, other States of the federation would be visited for the same purpose and Nigerian schools will continue to benefit from the International Human Rights Commission Projects.

Reported
Fidelis Onakpoma
IHRC Editor-in-Chief

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Nigeria: Elijah Vitus Echendu, National Coordinator for the International Human Rights Commission Special Monitoring Mission (IHRC SMM) in Nigeria has asserted that the year 2023 will record milestone achievements of numerous project implementations in Nigeria.

Elijah in a statement by the Commission’s Editor-in-Chief Mr. Fidelis Onakpoma said; “ two major projects on medical and education featuring free medical services and scholarship grants to deserving individuals will commence January 2023 across Nigeria”.

He added that several capacity-building conferences, humanitarian aid, conflict resolutions, and peace-building programs would be facilitated through the corporate support of the Head of Diplomatic Mission, H.E. Ambassador (Dr.) Duru Hezekiah.

He further urged SMM Officials to be up and doing and remain dedicated to Organization’s activities this year.

Further information shall be communicated in due time.

Reported
Fidelis Onakpoma
IHRC Editor-in-Chief
10th January 2023.

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IHRC NGA: Officials of the Special Monitoring Mission International Human Rights Commission (SMM IHRC) in Nigeria have been motivated to maintain their undiluted and unwavering commitment to the goals and objectives of the Commission more than ever in the year 2023 and beyond.

The assertion was made by the Ambassador at Large and Head of the Diplomatic Mission to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Ambassador (Dr.) Duru Hezekiah on 9th January 2023 while addressing the Officials in a closed online meeting organized by the National Volunteers Coordinator (NVC) Elijah Vitus Echendu.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Duru expressed his warmest wishes alongside prayers for the IHRC family. He remarked that the activities of the SMM Officials in Nigeria are exceedingly overwhelming and thus they should continue in their exploits.

He said, “In your society, community, and locality, make sure our voices are heard; let our works speak and give light to the common people in our society”.

“We should continue to uphold the dignity, freedom, and respect for human rights in Nigeria. While Nigeria prepares for the 2023 general elections, it is imperative to note that our organization is enshrined with greater responsibility to ensure a free, fair, and credible election and such would be requiring your services at the appropriate time”, he added.

He further assured Volunteers of the Commission’s effort to support their activities and initiatives across Nigeria.

Reported
Fidelis Onakpoma
IHRC Editor-in-Chief
9/1/2023

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