Ojukwu Calls for Collective Action Against Violent Extremism, Human Rights Violations
By Raphael Ekpang
Abuja (Core Reporters) The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Dr. Tony Ojukwu (SAN) has called for a renewed commitment and collective action to tackle violent extremism, insecurity, and human rights violations in Nigeria, stressing that lasting peace can only be achieved through inclusive development and the protection of human dignity.
Ojukwu made the call while delivering his opening remarks at the Summit Against Violent Extremism and Human Rights Violations in Nigeria, organized by the National Council for Civil Society Organizations (NCCSO) in collaboration with the Vision One Leadership Development Initiative.
According to him, the summit comes at a critical period when Nigeria continues to grapple with the devastating consequences of violent extremism, banditry, ethnic militancy, and other criminal activities that have claimed thousands of lives, displaced millions of citizens, destroyed communities, and disrupted education, healthcare delivery, and economic development.
Ojukwu who doubled as the chairman of the event emphasized that women, children, internally displaced persons, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups remain disproportionately affected by conflicts, suffering abductions, sexual and gender-based violence, trafficking, forced marriages, psychological trauma, and exploitation.
The NHRC boss expressed concern over the continued attacks on educational institutions, noting that incidents involving the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in parts of the country underscore the persistent threat insecurity poses to the right to education and the dignity of Nigerian children.
He recalled previous attacks on schools, including the Chibok abduction, describing them as painful reminders of the urgent need to strengthen protective measures for schools, teachers, and learners nationwide.
Ojukwu reaffirmed the commitment of the National Human Rights Commission to promoting and protecting the rights of all persons, particularly those affected by conflict and insecurity. While acknowledging the importance of security interventions and humanitarian assistance, he stressed that sustainable peace requires addressing the underlying causes of violence and extremism, including poverty, unemployment, inequality, social exclusion, weak institutions, and limited opportunities for young people.
He advocated for the empowerment of Nigerian youths as agents of peace through quality education, meaningful participation, skills acquisition, and access to economic opportunities, adding that building resilient communities is critical to preventing radicalization and fostering a culture of dialogue, inclusion, and good governance.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria urged stakeholders to strengthen collaboration, promote dialogue, support victims, uphold human rights, and pursue sustainable solutions to violence and extremism.
“Together, we can build a Nigeria where every individual lives in peace, security, dignity, and freedom,” he stated.
Ojukwu commended the National Council for Civil Society Organizations and the Vision One Leadership Development Initiative for convening the summit and formally declared the event open.
Earlier, the Convener, Mr. Emmanuel Johnny has pleaded with the government to empower agencies that are statutorily created to empower the youth and women as well as vulnerable so that they be able to carry out their function effectively.
On the security ravaging the nation, Johnny urged the youth to be creative and not depend on illicit jobs for their survival.
