The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has honoured the Deputy Head of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Zissimos Vergos, at a send-forth ceremony marking the successful completion of his diplomatic mission in the country.
Speaking at the event held at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Chief Tony Ojukwu, described the occasion as one of mixed emotions, saying the Commission was saddened by Vergos’ departure but delighted that he was moving on to greater responsibilities where his passion for human rights and humanitarian service would continue to make an impact.
Ojukwu commended the departing diplomat for his outstanding contributions to the promotion and protection of human rights in Nigeria through the enduring partnership between the European Union and the NHRC.
He noted that the collaboration had strengthened key initiatives, including the Human Rights Defenders Forum and the Civil Society Forum, which have delivered significant gains in advancing human rights across the country.
The NHRC boss also disclosed that additional European Union support for the Commission’s programmes is already in the pipeline, describing it as a testament to the confidence the EU has in the Commission’s work.
“If the Commission received from other development partners the level of support it enjoys from the European Union, we would have achieved ten times more in promoting, protecting and enforcing human rights in the country,” Ojukwu said.
Also speaking, the Senior Human Rights Adviser to the Executive Secretary, Dr. Hilary Ogbonna, praised Vergos for his commitment to the Commission’s activities, recalling that he consistently participated in the NHRC’s Monthly Human Rights Dashboard sessions either virtually or through members of his team whenever he was unable to attend.
In his response, Vergos expressed gratitude to the NHRC for the recognition, describing the honour as one of the most memorable moments of his diplomatic service in Nigeria and the ECOWAS region.
He praised Nigerians as resilient, talented and hardworking people whose determination and optimism continue to inspire hope for a brighter future.
The outgoing diplomat expressed confidence that Nigeria has the potential to emerge as a leading power in Africa, stressing that the country’s greatest asset is its people, who continue to pursue education, support their families and contribute to national development despite prevailing challenges.
Vergos reaffirmed the European Union’s commitment to supporting the NHRC, emphasizing that respect for human rights remains the true measure of responsible political leadership and good governance.
He pledged the EU’s continued partnership with the Commission in advancing the promotion, protection and enforcement of human rights in Nigeria.
