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International Human Rights Day: NHRC begins campaign, actions against gender-based violations
The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC will tomorrow commence a 16-Day programme of activities lined up in its fight against abuses and violation of the rights of women and children across Nigeria.
The programme is tailored to tally with the 2023 Human Rights Day.
This was disclosed today in Abuja by the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, SAN during a press conference after the flagging-off the programme at the Abuja headquarters of the Commission.
Ojukwu said the16 days of activism would revolve around Gender based violence, reaffirming that the Commission stands resolute in its commitment to address critical issues affecting the rights of women and girls.
He said that the day serves as a poignant reminder of the pressing need to confront and alleviate the multifaceted challenges faced by our women and girls and by extension our society.
The 16-days of activism against Gender based violence, he said, is an international campaign that takes place every year, commencing from 25 November, which is the international day for the Elimination of violence against women and ends on 10th December, which is the international human rights day.
According to Ojukwu, the theme for the 2023 16 days of Activism is, “Invest to prevent violence against women and girls,” saying that focuses on the importance of financing different prevention strategies to end violence against women and girls.
“It is an unequivocal truth that a society that invests in the wellbeing, progress and independence of women reaps immeasurable benefits. Our efforts towards fostering an environment that champions and priorities the Rights of women to Reproductive health, education and economic empowerment will lay a foundation for a more equitable and violence free society which empowers women to make informed decisions and choices that benefits them and promote their well-being and rights.
“This year’s theme urges us to reflect deeply on the various prevention strategies needed to halt violence at its roots.it prompts us to channel our efforts into initiatives that safeguard the rights and dignity of every woman and girl.
“To celebrate this year’s 16th day of activism, the Commission has earmarked series of programmes of activities on Human rights issues particularly Rights of women and girls and advocacy visits to key stakeholders in collaboration with partners such as the Office of the First Ladies ,NBA,, FIDA and CSOs across the 36 states of Nigeria and FCT.
The Commission in fulfilling its Human rights mandate especially Rights of Women and girls have:
- A dedicated Department, which handles only issues of Rights of women and children.
- The Commission has dedicated toll free lines and call centre for reporting of GBV complaints.
- The Commission in 2021 established SGBV panels in the geographical region of the country.
- Currently the Commission has an ongoing Special investigative Panel for Allegations of mass abortion and SGBV in the North East counter insurgency operations.
- Recently the Commission organised a National dialogue to create awareness on the Maputo protocol.
- As we celebrate this year’s 16days of activism the Commission calls for.
- The Ratification of the Maputo protocol ( which has very laudable provisions for protection of the rights of women)
- Concerted efforts by the security agencies especially the Nigerian Armed forces to rescue women and girls who are in captivity of insurgents and bandits.
- Enactment of the Gender Equality bills by the National Assembly.
- Enactment of the VAPP by all state Houses of Assembly.
“On its part the Commission reiterates its unwavering commitment to accelerate the reconvening of the special Panel on SGBV,” the NHRC boss stated adding that, “Together, let us invest in tools and resources necessary to break the cycle of violence against women and girls and usher in the era of equality, respect and dignity for all.”
The Supreme Court of Nigeria will on Thursday, deliver judgments in two cases involving the leadership crises rocking the African Democratic Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party.
According to information on the official website of the court, the matters, listed under “Political Appeals”, have been added to the cause list for Thursday, April 30, 2026.
While judgment in the ADC matter, marked SC/CV/180/2026, has been fixed for 2 pm, there is no time yet for that if the PDP.
President Bola Tinubu has written the Senate, seeking the screening and subsequent confirmation of fifteen nominees to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
The letter was read by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
The letter seeks the reconstitution of the commission’s board in line with statutory provisions with the list comprising nominees from diverse professional backgrounds, including the media and legal sectors.
Among the nominees are the President, Nigeria Guild of Editors and Editor, Vanguard Newspapers, Mr. Eze Anaba; and Dr. Salamatu Hussaina Suleiman, who has been proposed as chairman of the board.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Anthony Ojukwu (SAN) is to retain his position as the Chief Executive Officer.
Other nominees include Mrs Roseline Tasha, Ambassador Adam Yubak Baku, ACG Felix Lawrence, Mr. Edmund Chinonye, Mr. Chinonye Obiaku (SAN), Oluwakemi Asiwaju Okere-Odo, Professor Adedeji Ogunji, Kingsley Chidozie, Mohammed Adelodu, Maupe Ogun Yusuf, and Otunba Francis Meshioye as members.
Also nominated are Patience Patrick and Hawwa Ibrahim, listed as members.
The President said the nominations were made pursuant to Section 2(3) of the National Human Rights Commission (Establishment) Act, 2010, which empowers him to constitute the board subject to Senate confirmation.
He explained that the reconstitution of the board was necessary to enhance the commission’s institutional capacity and enable it to more effectively discharge its mandate to promote and protect human rights across the country.
If confirmed, the new board is expected to play a critical role in reinforcing the NHRC’s oversight functions, particularly at a time of heightened concerns over rights protection and accountability in Nigeria.
Following the presentation of the request, the Senate referred the nominations to its Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters for screening and report within two weeks.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has revealed that it investigated the founder of Streams of Joy International, Pastor Jerry Eze, for six months over suspected money laundering before clearing him.
Ola Olukoyede, chairman of the Commission, disclosed this on Wednesday while speaking at the Jerry Eze Foundation Business Grant Award Ceremony in Abuja.
According to him, the probe was triggered by intelligence reports and petitions after the commission observed large inflows of foreign currencies into the cleric’s domiciliary account.
“We work by intelligence, we work by petitions. At some point, I saw there was an account, a domiciliary account. Dollars, pounds were dropping in like raindrops, from Colombia, from America, from Sri Lanka, even from Togo.
“I said who is this man? Yes, I’ve been hearing about his name, I’ve seen his face a couple of times. I never bothered about what he was doing. I knew he was a pastor.
“So they said this one pastor of streams of joy, go and investigate him. So we went to the investigation. We combed the books,” Olukoyede stated.
The EFCC boss said he subsequently invited Eze for questioning after preliminary findings were compiled by investigators.
He added that upon meeting the cleric and reviewing the findings of the investigation, the commission found no wrongdoing.
“So he came to my office. He told me what happens and all of that, and how the money came, what he does, how he has been helping people, and all of that.
“I said, you know what, I didn’t call you here to explain to me. We have already done our work. I called you here to commend you,” he stated.
The remark drew applause from the audience, as Eze, who was present at the event, acknowledged the commendation.
He noted that the commission has a responsibility not only to investigate financial crimes but also to recognise individuals found to have acted with integrity.
The EFCC chairman, however, stated that the agency would continue to monitor financial activities where necessary, stressing that its preventive mandate remains critical in tackling corruption.
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