News
Radio, an indispensable ally in human rights advocacy, climate action-NHRC
The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, has described radio a potent and indispensable ally in its human rights advocacy and the various actions on climate and nature preservation.
This comes as Nigeria joins the rest of the global community to commemorate World Radio Day 2025.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu OFR, SAN, who praised the contributions of radio to overall human development, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to utilizing radio as a powerful tool for human rights education and awareness.
In a statement marking the World Radio Day, which is observed annually on February 13, the NHRC boss noted that radio remains an indispensable medium for advancing human rights, reaching vast and diverse populations, including marginalized and rural communities, and fostering informed public discourse.
The statement, signed by Hajia Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, Director, Corporate Affairs and External Linkages Department, and sent to Nationwide Reports, quoted Dr. Ojukwu as highlighting that this year’s theme, “Radio and Climate Change,” underscores the importance of leveraging radio to amplify critical conversations on environmental sustainability and its intersection with human rights. He stressed that climate change poses significant threat to fundamental rights such as the right to life, health, food, water, and shelter, particularly for the poor and vulnerable communities.
“The Commission recognizes that climate change is not just an environmental issue but a human rights issue. Rising temperatures, extreme weather condition, and environmental degradation disproportionately affect the most vulnerable populations, including women, children, persons with disabilities, and those in rural areas. Radio, with its vast reach, plays a crucial role in educating the public, advocating for climate justice, and empowering communities to take meaningful action,” Dr. Ojukwu stated.
He further revealed that the Commission is working towards establishing a professionally operated human rights radio station that focus on respect for peoples rights to enhance awareness, provide timely information on rights violations, and encourage proactive engagement on human rights and climate-related issues. According to him, the Commission currently receives over two million complaints of human rights violations annually, a figure attributed to increased awareness—an effort in which radio has been instrumental.
Dr. Ojukwu reiterated that the Commission will continue to collaborate with media professionals, civil society organizations, and government agencies to ensure that radio remains a catalyst for positive change and respect for human rights. “We urge all stakeholders to support initiatives that harness the power of radio to raise awareness on respect for human rights promote dialogue, and drive action on both human rights and climate change,” he said.
The Human Rights Advocate further called on media practitioners and policymakers to use radio as a tool for advocacy, policy influence, and grassroot mobilization in tackling human rights violations and climate challenges. “As the world grapples with the realities of climate change, a human rights-based approach to environmental policies is crucial in ensuring justice and equity for all” Ojukwu added.
He said the Commission will remain steadfast in its mission to protect and promote human rights in Nigeria, leveraging radio as a medium for education, advocacy, and action towards a more just, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable society.
The Chief Human Rights Officer in Nigeria observed that currently there are several human rights related radio programmes, “we encourage more radio stations to do same in order to build a culture of respect for human rights in Nigeria” he said.
….The Commission wants IGP to address use of excessive force by police
The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Tony Ojukwu OFR, SAN, has strongly condemned the alleged extrajudicial killing of a 28-year-old Nigerian, Mene Ogidi, by a police officer, ASP Nuhu Usman, on April 26, 2026, in Efurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.
In a statement issued in Abuja, Dr. Ojukwu described the incident as “deeply disturbing and a direct assault on human dignity, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the rule of law.”
He stressed that no Nigerian should lose their life at the hands of those sworn to protect them, reiterating that every life matters and must be protected.
According to him, “the reported action of the officer involved is condemnable, unacceptable, and completely inconsistent with the principles of justice and a civilized society.”
The statement which was signed by Hajia Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, Director, Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, quoted Ojukwu to have expressed grave concern over the recurring incidents of excessive use of force by law enforcement officers and called on the Nigeria Police Force to take urgent and decisive steps to address the issue.
He specifically urged the police authorities to subject officers deployed on special duties to periodic mental and psychological evaluations to ensure they are fit to carry arms and engage with civilians responsibly.
Dr. Ojukwu further called for the immediate disciplinary action against ASP Nuhu Usman in line with extant laws and police regulations.
He also emphasized the need for the Nigeria Police Force to fully implement the recommendations of the Commission’s Panel on Police Brutality as a necessary step toward meaningful reform and prevention of future violations.
“The Commission demands immediate arrest and a transparent investigation into the incident, dismissal of the officer involved, and swift prosecution in accordance with the law.
We hereby call for adequate compensation and justice for the family of the victim,” he stated.
He warned that justice delayed only deepens public distrust in state institutions and undermines confidence in law enforcement.
The Executive Secretary assured that the NHRC will continue to monitor the case closely and will persist in its advocacy for accountability, justice, and the protection of the fundamental rights of all Nigerians.
“Nigeria must never normalize brutality. Justice must speak louder than silence,” he concluded.
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.
-
News1 year agoSenate to speed up conclusion of Nigeria Forest Security Service Bill
-
News9 months agoThe Many Lies Against Bashir Haske
-
News3 years agoBreaking: Tinubu’s authentic ministerial nominees
-
News3 years ago“Anytime we want to kill terrorists, President would ask us to take permission from France but they were killing our soldiers-” Niger Republic coup leader
-
News3 years ago“I’m leaving the Catholic church because Bishop Onah is oppressing me,” says Okunerere
-
News3 years agoRadio Nigeria’s veteran broadcaster Kelvin Ugwu dies three months after retirement from service
-
News3 years agoDokpesi and the Gazebo Mystique
-
News3 years agoTsunami: Tinubu orders dissolution of managements, boards of MDAs, to sack all Buhari’s political appointees