The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to protecting, promoting, and enforcing the rights of all persons in Nigeria as it commemorated its 30th anniversary. The event, which coincided with the 2025 National Human Rights Day, was held in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, with stakeholders from government agencies, civil society, and the media in attendance.
This year’s Human Rights Day theme, “Human Rights, Our Everyday Essentials,” underscores the centrality of human rights in daily life and highlights the commission’s ongoing efforts to uphold dignity, equality, and justice for all.
Representing the NHRC Executive Secretary, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, the Bayelsa State Coordinator of the Commission, Dr. Eugene Baadom, described the past 30 years as a period marked by steadfast service to humanity. He noted that since the establishment of the commission in 1995, the NHRC has worked toward building a Nigeria anchored on freedom, equality, and justice, despite the complex challenges confronting the nation.
Dr. Baadom emphasized that the anniversary was not merely a celebration but a renewed call to action.
“Our walk today is not rooted in protest but in unity; not in anger but in firm resolve,” he said. “We gather as active participants in shaping a Nigeria where every right is protected, every voice counts, and no individual is left behind in the pursuit and protection of human rights.”
He also appealed for stronger collaboration from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as well as the private sector, stressing that sustainable protection of human rights requires collective action and institutional support.
In her remarks, Assistant Director of Investigations at the NHRC, Mrs. Winner Obonin, stressed the need for citizens to understand their rights to prevent violations and exploitation. She highlighted fundamental rights such as the right to life, dignity, fair hearing, liberty, a safe environment, property inheritance, and freedom of expression and association.
“Our human rights are our personal property,” she reiterated.
The Acting Head of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) in Bayelsa State, Mr. Fadewari Timibiowei, called on authorities to prioritize human rights issues and use their offices responsibly to protect citizens, particularly vulnerable groups.
Executive Director of Women Organized for Mentorship and Advocacy Network (WOMAN), Lady Eunice, commended the NHRC for its consistent advocacy, describing the Commission as a vital force in promoting peace and harmony in Bayelsa State. She urged women and young girls to speak out and seek help whenever their rights are threatened or abused.
The event was attended by representatives of several organizations, including the NUJ, NAWOJ, NOA, NAPTIP, Public Complaints Commission, Voice of the Ijaw Girl Child, Association of Women Against Gender-Based Violence (AWAGBV), Association of Albinism, NEPHWAN, and members of BANGOF.
