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NHRC ends advocacy, marks Human Rights Day, celebrates 30 years anniversary
Wednesday, December 10, 2025 was a day of triple events joined-in-one, for the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), as its management and staff gathered together with dozens of non-governmental organisations, civil society groups, charity foundations and other partners, to end 16-Day activism, mark the 2025 International Human Rights Day and celebrate 30th anniversary of the Commission’s establishment.
The events commenced at the Eagle Square Abuja with a Human Rights walk that took participants- which included activists and human rights activists, through part of Shehu Shagari Way, Maitama, Aminu Kano Crescent Wuse 2 and Transcorp Hilton route, down to the NHRC secretariat where the main activities commenced in earnest.
In a welcome address, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, SAN, Executive Secretary/CEO of the Commission, said the symbolic walk for Human Rights, which kick-started the day, was aimed at amplifying the sentiment of freedom, equality and justice in Nigeria.
He said the 2025 event was a special one as it commemorates the 30th anniversary of the Commission, therefore a celebration of three decades of service to humanity since 1995.
Ojukwu said the event was also special as it affords the Commission the opportunity to recognize outstanding partners that have supported its work over the past years and described it as both a journey and a reaffirmation.
He said- “A journey that began normatively in 1995 with a vision for a Nigeria rooted in the principles of Freedom, Equality and Justice. It is also a reaffirmation that, despite the challenges we face, from insecurity, Social; economic and Political problems, our commitment remains unwavering.
“The spirit of today’s gathering echoes the timeless message encapsulated in the promotion, protection and the enforcement of human rights of all in Nigeria. Our walk today, is not rooted in protest, but in unity; Not in anger, but with resolve to uphold human rights; Not as spectators, but as active participants in shaping a Nigeria where every right is protected, every voice matters, and no one is left behind in the promotion and protection of human rights.
“Our celebration today is a reminder that human rights flourish where communities embrace harmony, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence.
“Moreover, the award to be given out today is a tribute to those who, through courage and consistency, have supported the cause of human rights, through the work of the Commission. Their support strengthens the Commission to continue its work with the belief that the work the Commission is doing is appreciated.”
Ojukwu pledged that NHRC would continue to execute the mandate that has guided it for 30 years, including to protect, promote, and enforce the rights of all persons in Nigeria, saying however that the task ahead cannot be done by the Commission alone but have to be carried out by ‘each and every one of us,’ including staff of Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government, persons working in the organized private sector of economy and, indeed by everyone in Nigeria.
He said that- “Together, let us build a nation where human rights are not aspirational ideals, but daily realities. Let us continue to dream, to act, and to stand firm, knowing that our collective effort is the engine that drives progress.
“As we celebrate 30 years of the National Human Rights Commission, we do so with gratitude for the past, responsibility for the present, and hope for a future where Freedom, Equality and Justice are the heritage of everyone in Nigeria,” the NHRC boss concluded.
In a speech read at the event, the Secretary General of the United Nations, António Guterres, said the Universal Declaration of Human Rights defined what every person needs to survive and thrive, adding that the declaration was a philosophical and political breakthrough that has been the bedrock of global community ever since.
He said further that human rights, which include civil, political, economic, social and cultural, are inalienable, indivisible and interdependent, saying recent years have brought a shrinking of civic space, therefore the grave violations that signal a flagrant disregard for rights, and a callous indifference to human suffering.
According to him, “Together, we have the power to confront these injustices: by protecting the institutions that make human rights a lived reality.
“Every day, the United Nations helps people around the world realize their most basic rights. Together with civil society and governments, we deliver food and provide shelter; support education and elections; clear mines; defend the environment; empower women; and strive for peace.
“But we cannot do it alone. This work depends on all people, everywhere, taking a stand. When we protect the most vulnerable, when we refuse to look away, when we speak up for the institutions that speak up for us, we keep human rights alive.
“Our rights should never take second place to profit or power. Let us unite to protect them, for the dignity and freedom of all.”
Several agencies, groups and organisations also delivered goodwill and solidarity messages including United Nations High Commissioner on Human Rights Mr. Volker Turk, represented by UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria; EU delegation in Nigeria, other diplomatic community members, MDAs and CSOs, among others.
The event was attended by staff and many management members of the Commission including the Director, Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, Hajia Fatimah Mohammed Agwai, Director, Economic and Sociocultural Rights, Harry Obe, Director, Planning, Statistics and Documentation, Halimat Oyedele and Director, Legal Services, Hajia Rabi Anwar, among others.
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NiMet DG Anosike urges service providers to move beyond institutional compliance to measurable impacts on citizens
The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Professor Charles Anosike, has called on public institutions to move beyond regulatory compliance and certifications to delivering measurable results that create lasting value for citizens.
The DG/CEO of NiMet, who was represented by the Director, Engineering and Technical Services, Engr. Hamid Olayinka Abdulkareem, made the call during his keynote address at the 3rd National Quality Improvement Summit and Awards, organised by the Quality Improvement Institute of Nigeria (QIIN) in Abuja on Thursday 12 November 2026. Speaking on the theme, “Quality: Powering Performance – Moving Beyond Compliance to Measurable Results,” Professor Anosike emphasised that institutional credibility must be earned through consistent service delivery, accountability, innovation and continuous improvement.
Highlighting NiMet’s commitment to international quality standards, the DG/CEO disclosed that the Agency secured ISO 9001:2015 certification for aeronautical meteorological services at Yola, Osubi and Owerri airports in July 2026, alongside the successful recertification of five other airports, bringing its total number of QMS-certified airport stations to eight. He stressed that quality assurance in meteorological services is critical to aviation safety, agricultural productivity, disaster preparedness and national economic development.
Professor Anosike further highlighted the integration of the Balanced Scorecard Performance Management System into NiMet’s 2026–2030 Strategic Plan as a significant step towards strengthening institutional accountability. He explained that the framework connects strategic objectives with measurable performance indicators, ensuring that organisational success is assessed not merely by activities undertaken but by results achieved and value delivered.
He urged institutions to invest in people, technology and stakeholder partnerships while embedding quality management into their organisational culture. According to him, sustainable institutional excellence requires leadership commitment, continuous evaluation and a deliberate shift from procedural compliance to measurable public impact.
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Joint Aviation Unions Appoint Keyamo Grand Patron of Renewed Hope Support Group, Present ITF Position Paper Ahead of ICAO Conference
The Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, today received a high-powered delegation of aviation labour unions under the Joint Aviation Trade Union Forum (JATUF), led by its Chairman, Comrade Ben Nnabue, in Abuja.
The delegation comprised top executives of the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) and other aviation unions, including the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), and Association of Nigerian Aviation Professionals (ANAP). The unions are affiliates of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF).
Other members of the delegation included Comrade John Ogbe, Vice Chairman; Comrade Alale Adedayo, Vice Chairman; Group Captain Bunmi Gandeh, Vice Chairman; and Comrade Hector Nnadi, Secretary of the Forum.
The visit was primarily to formally present the position paper of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) to the Minister, seeking Nigeria’s support for a motion advocating the integration of social sustainability, decent work and meaningful workers’ engagement into the global civil aviation framework at the forthcoming Seventh Worldwide Air Transport Conference (ATConf7) of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), scheduled to hold in Montreal, Canada, from November 16 to 20, 2026.
According to Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser to the Hon. Minister on Media and Communications, the proposed motion, which has received Nigeria’s nod, underscores the need for the international aviation community to recognise that the sustainability and long-term success of civil aviation go beyond infrastructure development, technological advancement and economic growth to include the welfare, rights and professional development of the workforce that sustains the industry.
The unions stressed that the future of international civil aviation must be built on a framework that balances economic competitiveness with social responsibility, recognising aviation workers as indispensable stakeholders in the growth, safety and efficiency of the industry.
The Minister’s reception of the position paper further demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to constructive engagement with organised labour and the promotion of policies that strengthen the aviation sector while protecting the interests of its workforce.
In a related development, the delegation also formally presented the Minister with an invitation to serve as Grand Patron of the Renewed Hope Aviation Support Group (RHASG), under the umbrella of the Strategic Collaboration for the Re-Election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
The nomination, made on behalf of the Board of Trustees, National Executive Council and entire membership of the organisation, recognises the Minister’s leadership, professional competence and capacity for strategic coordination.
The group congratulated Keyamo on his recent appointment as Director of the Directorate of Air Transport Mobilisation for the All Progressives Congress (APC) re-election campaign, describing the appointment as a testament to the confidence reposed in his leadership abilities, organisational experience and commitment to effective mobilisation.
According to the group, the Minister’s wealth of experience in managing complex responsibilities, coupled with his strategic understanding of the aviation industry, makes him well-positioned to provide political leadership, guidance and direction to the organisation.
The appointment as Grand Patron is intended to strengthen the group’s strategic direction and consolidate support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and his anticipated re-election bid.
The development marks another demonstration of the growing intersection between organised aviation labour, industry stakeholders and broader national development objectives, with the Minister continuing to engage stakeholders on issues that affect the growth, sustainability and future of Nigeria’s aviation industry.
The Kano State governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, has appointed a former Kano State Chief of Staff, Gwani Alhaji Shehu Wada Sagagi, as Director-General of his 2027 governorship campaign.
The appointment was announced in a statement issued on Wednesday by Ibrahim Garba Shuaibu, spokesperson to the NDC governorship candidate.
According to the statement, Gwarzo also named Alhaji Adamu Ali Ibrahim Kibiya as Secretary of the Campaign Directorate and Engr. Sunusi Usman Dambatta as Deputy Director-General.
Sagagi, a former Commissioner for Investment, Commerce and Industry and ex-chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Kano State, is expected to lead the campaign’s activities ahead of the 2027 election.
The appointments take immediate effect, while the full membership of the campaign council will be announced later.
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