Author: Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Human Rights Commission has expressed concern over the rising incidence of drug abuse and illicit trafficking in Nigeria, describing the trend as a serious threat to public health, national security, human dignity and sustainable development. In a statement to mark the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Chief Tony Ojukwu, OFR, SAN, called for a coordinated national response rooted in human rights principles rather than stigma and discrimination. Ojukwu noted that substance abuse, particularly among young people, had reached…

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has reaffirmed its commitment to preventing torture, protecting the dignity of persons deprived of liberty, and ensuring justice and effective remedies for victims of torture across Nigeria. The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Chief Tony Ojukwu, made the commitment in a statement issued on Friday to commemorate the 2026 International Day in Support of Victims of Torture. Ojukwu joined the global community in honouring victims and survivors of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, paid tribute to their resilience and determination to…

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has hailed the judgment of the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice in favour of journalist Jide Oyekunle, describing it as a significant victory for journalism, press freedom, and the protection of media practitioners in Nigeria. The union said the court’s decision, which awarded N10 million in damages against the Nigerian government for violating Oyekunle’s rights, marks an important milestone in the fight to safeguard journalists and uphold freedom of the press. In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by the NUJ National Secretary,…

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the future of independent media and promoting human rights reporting, as it joined media stakeholders in Abuja for the launch of CHRICED’s “Make It Count” initiative. The one-day stakeholders’ meeting, held on June 24, 2026, at the Catholic Secretariat Resource Centre, Durumi, was convened by CHRICED Radio and TV in partnership with Weltfilme, Germany, with support from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). Representing the Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Comrade…

Rescue operations intensified on Thursday following the collapse of a five-storey building under construction along Dr. Peter Odili Road near Eterna Filling Station in Port Harcourt, as Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, other construction firms, and government agencies scaled up efforts to save trapped workers. The building reportedly collapsed at about 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, trapping an unspecified number of construction workers beneath the rubble and leaving residents of the Rivers State capital in shock. The incident occurred less than 24 hours after another building collapse in the city, heightening concerns…

The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, has been honoured with the Media Leadership and Civil Engagement Award by Emporium Reporters in recognition of her outstanding contributions to journalism, media development, and professional leadership. The award was presented at the maiden edition of the Emporium Leadership Lecture and Awards 2026, held at the Buhari Bello Auditorium, National Human Rights Commission Headquarters, Maitama, Abuja, as part of activities marking the organisation’s 10th anniversary. Organised by Royalprince Media Services, publishers of Emporium Reporters and Emporium…

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting youth online safety and digital literacy through a strengthened partnership with Meta, as part of efforts to build a digitally inclusive economy and enhance trust in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem. Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, made this known during the Youth Safety Summit organised by Meta in Abuja, where stakeholders from government, industry, civil society organisations and the education sector gathered to advance collaborative efforts aimed at ensuring safe and positive online experiences for young Nigerians. The…

The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Tony Ojukwu, has called for stronger safeguards and improved conditions for women in detention facilities across Africa. This was disclosed in a statement issued by Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, Director of Corporate Affairs and External Linkages of the NHRC, following Ojukwu’s participation in the 4th Annual Conference of the African National Preventive Mechanisms Network held in Kigali from June 24 to 26, 2026. The conference brought together experts from the United Nations Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture, the Association for the…