NHRC Boss Ojukwu Bags International Humanitarian Award 2026

NHRC Boss Ojukwu Bags International Humanitarian Award 2026

By our Reporter

Abuja (Core Reporters) Following his leadership and sustained commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights in Nigeria the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Dr. Tony Ojukwu, (SAN), has received the 2026 UTA International Humanitarian Award.

The award was presented to Ojukwu by the United Towns Agency for North-South Cooperation (UTA), Nigeria Chapter, in Abuja on August 20, 2026, as part of activities marking World Humanitarian Day 2026.

UTA, a United Nations-affiliated non-governmental organisation with consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), recognised the NHRC boss for his contributions to advancing human dignity, access to justice and the protection of vulnerable and marginalised Nigerians.

The organisation particularly highlighted interventions under Ojukwu’s leadership, including economic empowerment for victims of human rights violations, compensation and restorative support for victims, transitional and restorative justice initiatives in the North-East, as well as efforts to improve access to justice for poor and marginalised persons.

The interventions reflect the Commission’s victim-centred approach, which extends beyond documenting human rights violations to pursuing accountability, remedies, restoration and opportunities for affected persons to rebuild their lives.

Under Ojukwu’s leadership, the NHRC has continued to strengthen its response to human rights violations arising from conflict, poverty, displacement and other forms of vulnerability, with emphasis on protecting the dignity, rights and long-term wellbeing of affected persons.

Reacting to the honour, Ojukwu described the award as a reminder of the importance of humanitarian service to improving the lives of ordinary Nigerians.

“As a humanitarian myself, this award has stimulated me to do more,” he said.

He added that the recognition reinforced the need to place victims, dignity and justice at the centre of human rights protection, particularly as Nigeria continues to face complex humanitarian and human rights challenges.

The award ceremony attracted government officials, diplomats, humanitarian actors and other stakeholders committed to promoting human dignity and addressing humanitarian challenges.

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, was represented at the event by the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Hajiya Zubaida Abubakar Umar.

Other dignitaries included the Zamfara State Governor, represented by his Chief of Staff, Mouktar Mohammed Lugga; Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi; Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Bernard Doro; members of the diplomatic corps; UTA International Global Secretary-General, Dr. (Amb.) Eya Essif; and Country President of UTA-Nigeria, Amb. Princess Abigail Amalaha.

The recognition further underscores the growing emphasis on a rights-based approach to humanitarian intervention, where assistance to vulnerable populations is linked with justice, accountability, restoration and the protection of human dignity.