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WHD: Ojukwu makes case for medicare, shelter, food, other humanitarian interventions
As Nigeria joins the rest of the global community to commemorate the 2023 World Humanitarian Day (WHD), the Executive Secretary of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Chief Tony Ojukwu, SAN, has called on well-meaning citizens to be mindful of their compatriots and assist those who are in need of basic necessities of life.
Expressing concern over the sufferings being experienced by many Nigerians and others from around the world, Ojukwu solicited intervention for the needy in the areas water supply, medicine, food and shelter, among others.
Chief Ojukwu stated this on the eve of the commemoration of WHD in Abuja and called on Nigerians to reflect on the global challenges that communities around the world face, admonishing that it is imperative for all to unite in efforts to address the critical humanitarian issues confronting the nation.
He noted that the recent removal of fuel subsidy has created untold hardship to majority of Nigerian especially the low-income earners, making them deserving of humanitarian assistance as they are no longer able to provide for some basic needs of life.
The NHRC boss said there is an urgent need to address the adverse consequences of the subsidy removal on Nigerians, adding that it has resulted in job losses, depression, violent reactions and increased poverty.
The Executive Secretary said the theme of this year’s commemoration “No Matter What” is very significant as it serves as a reminder that compassion, solidarity and support transcend all obstacles in addressing humanitarian needs, emphasizing that no challenge is insurmountable when humanity unites
Speaking further, Chief Ojukwu said the WHD provides an opportunity to recognize the tireless efforts of humanitarian workers who selflessly dedicate their lives to alleviating sufferings and providing assistance to vulnerable population regardless of challenges they face. “No Matter What” we can collectively pave way for a brighter future for all, he added.
He emphasized that the well-being of every individual is intrinsically linked to the well-being of the entire human family. Injury to one is injury to all and as Mother Teresa said, “if you cannot feed one hundred people, then feed just one”
According to a statement issued by Agharese Arase, Director, Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, Ojukwu further said that the Commission’s shared commitment to human rights demands that Nigerians stand in solidarity with those who are vulnerable, marginalized, and in need. “Together, we can build a stronger and more compassionate world, where every person’s rights are upheld, regardless of their background or circumstances”.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria is using the opportunity of this year’s commemoration to call on governments, civil society organizations, and individuals to work collaboratively in addressing issues such as poverty, conflict, displacement, and environmental degradation confronting the less privileged Nigerians.
He said fostering a culture of empathy, understanding, and active engagement to address humanitarian crisis can ensure that the principles of human rights remain at the forefront of our actions.
Continuing, the Chief Human Rights Officer of Nigeria said that providing humanitarian services can help create a world where justice reigns, respect for human dignity is upheld, the weak and vulnerable are strengthened, people are happy and conflicts will ultimately be reduced.
On this World Humanitarian Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to the values that bind us together as a nation, recognizing that it is our collective responsibility to create a just and inclusive society where every individual’s rights are respected and upheld. Together, we can advance the cause of humanity “No Matter What”, he stated.
He used this medium to pay tributes to humanitarian heroes who lost their lives in providing selfless services to humanity all over the world. Of special importance is the Office of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees UNHCR, which has been collaborating with the Commission to address the humanitarian needs of Nigerians in several parts of the country. The United Nations has set aside every 19th of August as World Humanitarian Day.
Isaac Fayose, brother of former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, has announced the death of his wife after a prolonged battle with cancer.
The social media commentator shared the sad news on Instagram with a candle image, alongside a farewell message.
“Rest in peace my darling wife, odabo oyinbo mi”, he wrote.
Before her death, Fayose had opened up about the severity of her illness.
He said he travelled to Australia to spend time with his family, but was met with a painful reality as his wife had become extremely weak due to cancer.
He explained that she was no longer able to speak or carry out basic daily activities. According to him, the woman who once welcomed him at the airport could no longer do so, and he had to make his way from the airport by Uber.
He also described how roles had reversed in the home, saying he now had to take care of her, including cooking for her, as she could no longer do so herself. He added that he spent time beside her, singing her favourite songs, while she responded only by holding his hand.
In his emotional reflection, he also spoke about life and wealth, stressing that money and material possessions could not stop illness or death, and questioned the actions of those who use public office to take what belongs to others.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that all 22 registered political parties in Nigeria have submitted their membership registers in compliance with the Electoral Act 2026.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, said the submissions were completed on May 8, two days ahead of the extended deadline set by the Commission.
According to INEC, the extension became necessary after political parties raised concerns over the original timeline during a meeting held on March 24.
The Commission had initially fixed April 21 as the deadline for the submission of membership registers in the Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election.
However, following consultations with political parties, INEC announced on March 27, 2026, that the deadline would be moved to May 10, 2026.
The adjustment, INEC said, was made to align with Section 77(4) of the Electoral Act 2026 and the actual dates chosen by political parties for their primaries.
Under the revised timetable, political parties are permitted to conduct their primaries between April 23 and May 30, 2026. The law also requires each party to submit its membership register to the Commission not later than 21 days before the date of its primary election.
INEC stated that all registered political parties complied with the requirement within the extended timeframe.
“The Commission is pleased to note that all registered parties submitted their registers as of 8th May 2026, two days before the extended deadline,” the statement said.
The electoral body added that the submitted registers would now undergo the necessary verification processes in accordance with the law.
INEC reiterated its commitment to conducting free, fair, credible and inclusive elections in Nigeria.
According to the Commission’s timetable for the 2027 General Election, elections into the offices of President and members of the National Assembly are scheduled for January 16, 2027, while governorship and state assembly elections will take place on February 6, 2027.
Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, the deputy commander of the Islamic State terrorist group, ISIS, has been killed in Nigeria.
US President Donald Trump said al-Minuki was killed in a “complex mission” carried out by Nigerian and American troops.
The US president shared updates on the operation in a social media post late Saturday.
“Tonight, at my direction, brave American forces and the Armed Forces of Nigeria flawlessly executed a meticulously planned and very complex mission to eliminate the most active terrorist in the world from the battlefield,” Trump wrote.
“Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, second in command of ISIS globally, thought he could hide in Africa, but little did he know we had sources who kept us informed on what he was doing.
“He will no longer terrorise the people of Africa, or help plan operations to target Americans.
“With his removal, ISIS’s global operation is greatly diminished.”
Trump also acknowledged and thanked the Nigerian government for its “partnership on this operation”.
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