The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Tuesday reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the protection and promotion of human rights as it celebrated its 30th anniversary in Abuja. The milestone coincided with the 2025 International Human Rights Day and featured a symbolic Health and Fitness Walk for Human Rights that brought together Commission staff, journalists, civil society actors and development partners.
The early-morning walk, led by the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Chief (Dr.) Tony Ojukwu, alongside top management officials, commenced at the Eagle Square, moved through the Federal Secretariat, and successfully terminated at the NHRC headquarters Maitama Abuja.. The exercise, which promoted wellness, unity and collective purpose, underscored the Commission’s belief that human rights thrive in healthy, engaged and cohesive communities.
In his welcome remarks following the walk, Ojukwu described the day as historic and symbolic, noted that it represented 30 years of resilience, service and steadfast commitment to upholding the principles of freedom, equality and justice. He emphasized that the Commission remained unwavering in its mandate despite ongoing national challenges, insisted that the day’s walk was not a protest but a demonstration of unity, resolve and shared responsibility.
The commemorative ceremony featured several goodwill messages celebrating the Commission’s contributions to the national human rights landscape. The United Nations Resident Commissioner for Human Rights in Nigeria praised the NHRC’s leadership and reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to strengthening collaboration. Inner Wheel District 901 Abuja and other development partners also lauded the Commission for its consistency, advocacy and institutional impact over three decades, expressing readiness to maintain and deepen their support.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, in his global Human Rights Day message, reminded nations of the enduring power of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and urged governments and institutions to safeguard human dignity in the face of shrinking civic space and rising rights violations worldwide.
A major highlight of the Abuja celebration was the recognition of journalists whose reporting has amplified human rights issues and deepened public engagement. The NHRC presented its 2025 Media Awards on Human Rights to honour exceptional media professionals and organizations. Development partners who have supported the Commission’s institutional growth and interventions were also honoured, reinforcing the collaborative spirit behind the Commission’s achievements.
The day’s activities concluded with a lively fiesta at the Commission’s headquarters, where staff, partners and guests unwound with music, dance and refreshments. The celebration created a relaxed atmosphere for bonding and reflection on the Commission’s 30-year journey and future aspirations.
Ojukwu stressed that the progress recorded over the past three decades would not have been possible without the consistent support of partners, civil society organizations, journalists and the public. He reiterated that the responsibility of protecting human rights rests not only with the Commission but with all institutions and individuals across the country.
As the NHRC stepped into its fourth decade, the event closed with a renewed call for unity, cooperation and collective responsibility in building a Nigeria where human rights are respected, upheld and enjoyed by all.
