Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Tony Ojukwu, OFR, SAN has strongly condemned any attempts aimed at shrinking the civic space, the increasing wave of violence, intimidation, and arbitrary arrests, targeting journalists across the country.
Ojukwu stated this in his welcome remarks at the media parley with journalists in Abuja as part of the activities marking the 30th anniversary of the National Human Rights Commission.
His words: “Thirty years ago, the Commission was established with a mandate: to promote, protect, and enforce the fundamental rights of all Nigerians. Over the decades, we have grown in strength, scope, and impact amidst several challenges, ranging from funding to high levels of abuse that we have to resolve, as well as building trust in the minds of the people in our ability to deliver on our statutory mandate.
He also lauded the Nigerian media for their support to the Commission. He said: “Thanks in no small measures to the unwavering support of the media, civil society, and our partners in government and the International community, as we reflect on this journey.
“We recognize the indispensable role the media has played not just as watchdogs of society, but as critical partners in advancing the cause of justice, equality, and human dignity, indeed the media remains our indispensable ally.
“Today’s engagement is designed to strengthen that partnership. It offers us an opportunity to deliberate on how human rights stories are told, the challenges faced by journalists, and how we can collectively raise the quality and visibility of rights-based reporting in our country.
He further noted: “As we commemorate the 2025 International Day to End Impunity Against Journalists, we must also confront the troubling realities facing our media community. The Commission strongly condemns any attempts aimed at shrinking the civic space, the increasing wave of violence, intimidation, and arbitrary arrests targeting journalists across the country. Attacks on journalists are attacks on our democracy and on the public right to know. The NHRC remains steadfast in its mission to protect the rights of media professionals and to ensure accountability for perpetrators of such violations.
“Going forward, the Commission will intensify its efforts to monitor and document violations against journalists, while deepening collaboration with media organisations, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Civil Society Organisations, and international partners.
“Today’s parley is not just a celebration. It is a call to action. We recognize the media as a powerful ally in the fight for human rights. Your voices shape public opinion, expose injustice, and amplify the stories that matter. We are here to listen, to engage, and to strengthen our partnership with you.
The Executive Secretary also stated: “As we look ahead to the next chapter of our journey, the Commission counts on your continued support to amplify the voices of the vulnerable and to hold government institutions accountable. You must resist the various attempts at shrinking the civic space in our country. Your voice is an inevitable foundation of our constitutional democracy.
There were goodwill messages from OHCHR, NUJ, Paradigm Initiatives, all pledging support, and collaboration with the National Human Rights Commission.
The major highlight of the event was the unveiling of the NHRC 30th Anniversary Logo. This was followed by a keynote lecture titled: “Media Literacy and Human Rights Reporting,” which was delivered by Dr. Soremekun Oluseyi of the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC).
The event came to a close with an interactive session with journalists.
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