The International Human Rights Commission (IHRC), has felicitated with Nigerians on this year’s Democracy Day today June 12, stressing that countries with democratic freedoms are more properous, peaceful, stable, and their citizens can enjoy their fundamental rights.

The Ambassador at Large and Head of Diplomatic Mission of the International Human Rights Commission to Nigeria, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Duru Hezekiah, in a goodwill message through his Head of Media and Strategic Communications, Mr. Fidelis Onakpoma in Abuja, said Nigerians should embrace this year’s democracy day with solidarity to building open, responsive, and accountable institutions and processes ensuring that all have the opportunity to participate and have a voice in how they will be governed.

He stated that democratic governance and human rights are critical components of sustainable development and lasting peace, urging President Tinubu to integrate democracy and the rule of law focusing on strengthening and promoting human rights, access to justice, accountable and transparent governance that serve the needs and preferences of the public.

“We have provided critical support to some countries, this includes strengthening democratic and institutional resilience in Chad Republic, Sierra Leone, Ukraine, and other African and European Countries. Inspired by this reality, we will continue to work for democracy. We will continue to serve as a community, bringing together governments, corporations, and civil society organizations that are committed to democratic principles”.

“As we mark this year’s Democracy Day, it is important that we pay tribute to all those who risked their lives in the struggle to end military dictatorship and enthrone democracy in the country. They are the heroes of our democracy, and it is my prayer that their labor of sacrifice shall not be in vain”.

“I pray that God will continue to bless our beloved country, as we continue to march forward in our Democratic journey.”

Signed

Fidelis Onakpoma,
Head of Media and Strategic Communications, IHRC Nigeria.
NGA. 12.06.2023

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As Christians around the world celebrate the pivotal event in Christianity about the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) in Nigeria, calls for sober reflection on the inherent love Jesus Christ demonstrated in saving mankind from destruction for nation-building.

The IHRC Ambassador at Large and Head of Diplomatic Mission to Nigeria H.E. Ambassador Dr. Duru Hezekiah on Friday 7th April made the call in a statement through his media team, urging Nigerians to believe in God for His perfection on the nation’s expectations stating that resurrection celebrated at Easter is fundamental proof that God’s love is our shared hope that we are all more than our momentary life, our biological existence on this planet, or our religious doctrinal beliefs; It is that love that ultimately defines the reality of Easter.

He said Nigeria consists of several people living together and performing different roles to maintain the structure of the country. Where there are many people, it is right to say that there will be a difference in opinions, personalities, ways of doing things, and cognition levels. These differences can lead to fights and chaos. However, the emotion of love that is given to humans prevents this chaos.

“Love is the greatest evidence that a person knows God: as we celebrate Easter, let us reflect on this love and apply it in our patriotic services to Nigeria because patriotism is the love and loyalty that we feel towards the country that we live in”, he added.

“Love and loyalty are very important if we are to hold our country together and protect it against the evils that destroy it such as money laundering, corruption, and the lack of democracy. It is only love and devotion to our country that can make us able to stand up and defend it; very vital for the protection and preservation of the country both for ourselves and the future generations”, he maintained.

As mentioned above, society cannot stay away from chaos with different kinds of people living together, but love often prevents this. With the love of humanity and their country, people leave their differences to work together to maintain order and peace in society.

“As John MacArthur rightly points out, the church may be orthodox in its doctrine and vigorous in its proclamation of the truth, but that will not persuade unbelievers unless believers love each other; If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from Him, that the one who loves God should love his brother also. (1 John 4:20–21)”.

“As we celebrate Easter, let this mind be in us all. I wish you a joyful Easter filled with the benefits of hope, love, and new beginnings; God bless Nigeria”.

Signed
Fidelis Onakpoma
IHRC Media, Nigeria

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According to the National Volunteers Coordinator (NVC) of the Special Monitoring Mission International Human Rights Commission, (SMM IHRC) Nigeria, Elijah Vitus Echendu; Volunteers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja will be holding a one-day workshop on the “role of volunteers in protecting human rights and basic freedom”.

In a statement by the NVC through the Abuja SMM Coordinator Comrade Adeoye, David Olusegun averred that the training is envisaged to educate members of the public, particularly SMM officials in Abuja carrying out activities of human rights according to the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations.

He maintained that training would be emulated by other States in Nigeria to enhance Volunteers’ participation in the promotion of human rights laws in Nigeria.

The slated workshop is Saturday 25th March 2023 at the IHRC Central office, 9 Cotonu Crescent Wuse Zone 6 Abuja, at 10 am.

Reported:
Mr. Fidelis Onakpoma
For IHRC Media Department, Nigeria.

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Nigeria: As part of efforts of the Special Monitoring Mission International Human Rights Commission (SMM IHRC) to support quality education and ensure access to child’s education, the Organization paid a humanitarian visit to Fudiyya Nursery and Primary School in Bunasai, Bauchi State.

According to Sulaiman Ashiru
IHRC Commissioner of World Youth Movement and SMM MNVC to Africa said as part of the Commission’s goal to bridge the gap for out-of-school children in our society, the one-day event was carried out in Fudiyya School on March 13, 2023.

The SMM Officials led by Sulaiman Ashiru were received by the staff of the school with a cordial welcome and general hospitality acknowledging IHRC’s efforts and community services rendered to the society because the value of a man should be seen in what he gives and not in what he can receive.

“We believe in one thing, that only a life lived for others is a life worth living. IHRC will continue to render a service to humanity in whatever condition with no retreat no surrender”, Ashiru noted.

Reported:
Sulaiman Ashiru
Commissioner of World Youth Movement and SMM MNVC to Africa.

Editorial
Fidelis Onakpoma
IHRC Editor-in-Chief Worldwide.

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The Ambassador at Large and Head of Diplomatic Mission to the International Human Rights Commission Nigeria, Ambassador Dr. Duru Hezekiah, has commiserated with the Lagos State Government (LASG) over the death of six people and others who were injured during the accident that occurred when their bus collided with a commercial train in the early hours of Thursday, March 9, 2023, along the PWD-Oshodi expressway.

Dr. Duru in a commiseration message on Sunday, 12, 2023 through his Head of Media Mr. Fidelis Onakpoma said, “ I commiserate with the Lagos State Government and families of the victims of the bus/train accident that occurred between a bus belonging to Lagos State Government and an intra-city train in the early hours of Thursday, March 9, 2023, at Shogunle Area of Lagos State”.

According to him, the six victims and others who sustained injury were majorly public servants with the Lagos State Government. “My condolences go to the government and the people of Lagos State and the families of those whose lives were lost. I also wish those injured a quick recovery”.

While commending the timely intervention and efforts of the Lagos State Government in reducing casualties, Duru urged better management and control of the railway authority’s level crossing to avert a similar disaster in the future.

“May God’s mercy and protection be upon the good people of Lagos State and Nigeria in general”.

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…Commends UN on Developing a Code of Conduct for Information Integrity on Digital Platforms

In commemoration of 2023 International Women’s Day, the Ambassador at Large and Head of Diplomatic Mission IHRC Nigeria, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Duru Hezekiah sues for gender-responsive education and skills training in closing gender gaps in the tech industry, commending the United Nations’ efforts in advancing Code of Conduct for Information Integrity on Digital Platforms aimed at reducing harm and increase accountability while defending the right to freedom of expression.

Duru in a statement made available by its media team in Nigeria, said for education to fulfill its potential as an essential pathway to a gender-just world and fulfilling the scripture, both girls and boys must equally benefit from it. Putting gender equality at the heart of education and embedding gender equality in the DNA of national education systems, will close the gender gap and ensure gender-responsive policy.

“Scholars have argued that education is a milestone in women’s empowerment because it enables them to respond to challenges, confront their traditional roles, and change their futures”.

He maintained that education generally, opens up opportunities; it allows women and girls to imagine a future beyond motherhood and house-based work, should they wish to.

“Globally, girls and women make up just one-third of science students in technology, engineering, and mathematics as well as men outnumber women in the tech industry”.

Alarming discrimination and harmful stereotypes have created a huge gender gap in science and technology, denying women full contributions to science, technology, and innovation, he added.

As the United Nations is working with other stakeholders to advance a Code of Conduct for Information Integrity on Digital Platforms, Dr. Duru further urged government at all levels, including civil society actors, the private sector, and the technology community to harness global action in creating a safe digital environment for women and girls.

Reporter:
Mr. Christian A. Nmamdi
IHRC Media Officer, Nigeria

Editorial:
Fidelis Onakpoma
IHRC Editor-in-Chief Worldwide

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The Special Monitoring Mission International Human Rights Commission (SMM IHRC) has been invited by the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) Ughelli North Local Governtment Chapter to the special event marking March 8th International Women’s Day at the Local Governtment Secretariat Ughelli Delta State.

A statement signed by the NULGE Chairperson in Ughelli North Local Government Chapter, Chief Mrs. Betty Onakpoma said on behalf of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) Ughelli North Chapter of Delta State, I would like to express our intention to invite you to the 2023 International Women’s Day (IWD) celebration in honor of your organization’s demonstrated exceptional commitment to women empowerment and gender equality.

She emphasized that the global theme “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality”, that the NULGE Chapter shall focus on “Women’s Participation for Innovation and Technology.

Adding that the theme is aligned with the priority theme for the upcoming 67th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW-67), “Innovation and technological change, and education in the digital age for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls”.

To this note, Mr. Fidelis Onakpoma Regional Coordinator of the Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) International Human Rights Commission in the Southern Region shall lead the team of IHRC to this epoch event with special approval from the National Volunteers Coordinator, Mr. Elijah Vitus Echendu, under the due supervision of the Ambassador at Large and Head of Diplomatic Mission IHRC Nigeria, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Duru Hezekiah.

Reported:
Fidelis Onakpoma
IHRC SMM RVC

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IHRC NGA: His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Duru Hezekiah, the Ambassador at Large and Head of Diplomatic Mission International Human Rights Commission Nigeria, has reportedly received 2023 eulogies from the team of IHRC Staff and SMM Officials in Nigeria.

The eulogy was contained in a diction titled “2023 and My Note of Acknowledgement” by Mr. Fidelis Onakpoma, IHRC Editor-in-Chief.

The diction reads as follows:
“As the journey to 2023 begins, I would like to take this opportunity to specially eulogize His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Duru Hezekiah; IHRC Ambassador at Large and Head of Diplomatic Mission to the Federal Republic of Nigeria for all your unrelenting effort and good works. Sir, to work under your leadership is the most valuable work experience that anyone could hope for.

Your Excellency, since you emerged as the IHRC Ambassador at Large and Head of Diplomatic Mission to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, we have recorded giant strides and irrevocable impact beyond imagination. The International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) in Nigeria has given an edge based on the relationships your leadership has established in the current.

Through your pragmatic leadership, sir, you have improved the dimensional and strategic workforce for the betterment of the Organization void of discrimination.

Therefore, we are grateful for the opportunity to work with you, sir. I and all other of your staff and volunteers of both the IHRC and the Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) are extremely privileged to work alongside a dedicated, passionate, and committed leader like you.

Although last year was filled with a multitude of both challenges and victories, no matter what the situation was, we were able to persevere together as a team. It has proved that together we can progressively bring change to our communities and society.

To mention but a few, through your visionary leadership, we expanded our operational structures, enhanced our engagement with various agencies and civil society organizations on the need for collaboration in the advancement of international human rights laws, amplified negotiations for peace and economic sustainability, humanitarian aid, democratic governance, and inclusion policy.

First on 26th September 2022 during the International Day of Peace, with the support of Secretary-General Prof. Rafał Marcin Wasik, you unequivocally recommended dialogue and peaceful negotiations as an instrument to ending insecurities, insurgencies, banditry, and various agitations in Nigeria.

In addition, during the December 10th International Human Rights Day, you led us to continue to solidify diplomacy on fruitful discussions with stakeholders in enhancing approaches and practices that support transnational justice, eradicate poverty, prevent and protect human rights against violations, leadership, and education; integrate human rights as guardrails for policies, and a blueprint for concrete action toward development, peace, and security.

Also on the 16th of December, through your magnanimity and support, IHRC for the first time in the history of Africa and Europe organized an end-of-year giveaway for the vulnerable; a one-day event initiated to make a substantial contribution and alternative provision for the physically challenged and other vulnerable groups during the yuletide period in Nigeria.

Wow! It has been reassuring to see how your exemplary leadership has inspired us and which is why many of us have learned so many important lessons from you, sir. We are blessed to have all three- boss, mentor, and manager- in you. While working under your leadership, we learn something new every day.

It is my earnest expectation that in 2023, we shall continue to support your idea in the responsibility of advancing IHRC in Nigeria.

I admire your leadership and decision-making skills. I look forward to continuing to learn from you and appreciate all your encouragement and support. In 2023 we shall improve the successes recorded last year and enhance already existing structures.

On behalf of the staff of IHRC Nigeria, my best wishes and happiness to you and your family. Happy new year sir”.

Reported:
Fidelis Onakpoma
IHRC Nigeria.

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