Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), National Council for Civil Society Organizations (NCCSO and other stakeholders, have called for collective action against human rights abuse and perpetrators of the acts across every strata of the society.
They made the call on Wednesday at a Summit Against Violent Extremism and Human Rights Violations in Nigeria, organized by NCCSO in collaboration with the Vision One Leadership Development Initiative.
In his remark, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, SAN, the Executive Secretary of NHRC represented by Hajia Rabi Anwar, Director of Legal Services and Enforcement called for a renewed commitment and collective action to tackle violent extremism, insecurity, and human rights violations in Nigeria, stressing that lasting peace can only be achieved through inclusive development and the protection of human dignity.
According to him, the summit comes at a critical period when Nigeria continues to grapple with the devastating consequences of violent extremism, banditry, ethnic militancy, and other criminal activities that have claimed thousands of lives, displaced millions of citizens, destroyed communities, and disrupted education, healthcare delivery, and economic development.
Ojukwu who doubled as the chairman of the event emphasized that women, children, internally displaced persons, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups remain disproportionately affected by conflicts, suffering abductions, sexual and gender-based violence, trafficking, forced marriages, psychological trauma, and exploitation.
The NHRC boss expressed concern over the continued attacks on educational institutions, noting that incidents involving the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in parts of the country underscore the persistent threat insecurity poses to the right to education and the dignity of Nigerian children.
He recalled previous attacks on schools, including the Chibok abduction, describing them as painful reminders of the urgent need to strengthen protective measures for schools, teachers, and learners nationwide.
Ojukwu reaffirmed the commitment of the National Human Rights Commission to promoting and protecting the rights of all persons, particularly those affected by conflict and insecurity. While acknowledging the importance of security interventions and humanitarian assistance, he stressed that sustainable peace requires addressing the underlying causes of violence and extremism, including poverty, unemployment, inequality, social exclusion, weak institutions, and limited opportunities for young people.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria urged stakeholders to strengthen collaboration, promote dialogue, support victims, uphold human rights, and pursue sustainable solutions to violence and extremism.
“Together, we can build a Nigeria where every individual lives in peace, security, dignity, and freedom,” he stated.
Ojukwu commended the National Council for Civil Society Organizations and the Vision One Leadership Development Initiative for convening the summit and formally declared the event open.
In his own remarks, the Director General of Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Mr. Charles Odii noted that SMEDAN provides Nigerian entrepreneurs with funding access, capacity building, and market linkages to help them start and scale their businesses. He urged unemployed youths and aspiring entrepreneurs to register with SMEDAN in order to attract government assistance. There were also goodwill messages from the Controller of Correctional Service, FCT, as well as the Minister of Defence. The representatives of the Chief of Naval staff and the Police Commissioner, FCT Police Command also gave their own remarks.
The constant refrain in their remarks is that Nigerian, especially the youths, need to be gainfully engaged as business owners to stem the tide of criminality in the country. They identified hopelessness, unemployment, and hunger as the major disposing factors that fuel criminality, banditry, and violence against women.
Earlier, the Convener, Mr. Emmanuel Johnny urged the government to empower agencies that are statutorily created to empower the youth and women as well as vulnerable so that they be able to carry out their function effectively.
On the security ravaging the nation, Johnny urged the youth to be creative and not depend on illicit jobs for their survival.
END
