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FG REAFFIRMS ITS COMMITMENT TO PROVIDE ENABLING ENVIRONMENT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS PROTECTION IN NIGERIA
FG REAFFIRMS ITS COMMITMENT TO PROVIDE ENABLING ENVIRONMENT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS PROTECTION IN NIGERIA
— As Justice Minister, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN Commissions NHRC’s Lagos State Office at Ikeja
The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to the promotion, protection and enforcement of human rights in Nigeria by providing the enabling environment for the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to effectively realize its mandate.
The Government also promised to support the NHRC to own its offices nationwide to further entrench its independence and strengthen its strive to protect the rights of citizens.
The Honorable Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN who made this statement on the occasion of the commissioning of the Lagos State office of the NHRC noted that the operational independence of the Commission has been future strengthened with the construction of it own offices.
“Under the Paris Principles, such national human rights institutions are to be independent in the execution of their mandate, structure and operations” .
Section 6(3) of the NHRC Act 1995 as amended, stipulates that the Commission in carrying out it’s mandate and operations shall not be subject to the control of any authority or person, he added.
“Accordingly, the ownership of their place of operations (office) constitutes an important aspect of their independence. I am happy to say that since this administration, the government has not interfered with the independence of the Commission”, the AGF said.
The Chief Law Officer of the Federation noted that in fact, during the last dissolution of Boards of all parastatals, the government exempted the Governing Council of the Commission from the general dissolution of Federal Government Boards due to its independence under the enabling Act and the Paris Principles.
In her opening remarks, the Chairperson of the Governing Council of the NHRC, Dr. Salamatu Suleiman, FICMC, thanked the Honorable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, and other highly distinguished guests for gracing the occasion of the completion and commissioning of the Lagos State office of the National Human Rights Commission in Alausa, Ikeja Lagos.
According to the senior lawyer, the history of the realization of this project needs to be told as a testimony of the determination of the Commission to strengthen its operations and independence.
She recalled that the Commission was established through the National Human Rights Commission Act 1995 as amended and that in its determination to entrench its independence from the beginning, the Commission commenced its daily operations from its own independently owned buildings in the six geo-political zonal headquarters of Lagos, Enugu, Port Harcourt, Kano, Jos and Maiduguri between 1996 and 2002.
“Over time however, the acquired Lagos office building was no longer befitting and structurally fit to meet the challenges and demands of a modern office suitable for the operations of a national human rights institution like the Commission.
The need for inclusivity and diversity in the working environment of the Commission necessitated a new office structure after 23 years of the acquisition of the Lagos office building and the other zonal headquarters”, the Chairperson narrated.
She observed that things like ramps, lifts, mediation rooms and conference rooms have become key components of any structure for conducting business by a national human rights institution like ours.
The project, she stated, was fully funded by the Federal Government of Nigeria with no donor support.
“The Commission is indeed grateful to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Budget office of the Federation, the National Assembly for appropriating funds for the execution of this laudable project. It is our fervent hope that the dream of realizing the construction of the remaining State offices of the Commission will soon be a reality”, she added.
In his speech at the occasion, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu OFR, SAN said the Commission had identified the ownership of its offices as one of the indices of its independence under the Paris principles from inception, but due to inadequate financial resources in the Commission, it could not continue on the trajectory of owning all its offices, the way it had started at inception from 1996 to 2002.
The Chief Human Rights Officer of Nigeria recollected that the Lagos office being commissioned today was the first to be awarded in 2019 while the others were awarded in 2020.
“It is hoped that by the end of this year, the Commission will be completing at least 8 of the 9 projects while the 9th project will hopefully be completed before the end of 2025. The delivery period has been 4 to 5 years. This is due to the lean financial resources available to the Commission”, the Executive Secretary stated.
He used the opportunity to appeal to the National Assembly and the Budget office to appropriate more funds to help the Commission further realize its mandate to provide adequate protection to Nigerians when their rights are violated.
Finally, he thanked the Chief Judge of Lagos state, the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, the Hon Attorney General of Lagos state, the Commissioner of Police for Lagos state, civil society organizations, human rights defenders like Chief Femi Falana SAN, and the Media who work with us daily to resolve complaints on human rights violations.
Other dignitaries and stakeholders who also graced the occasion were, Chairman House Committee on Human Rights and Legal Matters, Hon. Abiola Peter Makinde, representative of the Speaker Lagos State House of Assembly, representative of the Commission of Police, Lagos State, Chairman Nigerian Bar Association, Ikrodu, Bayo Akinlade, representative of the Director General Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, representative of International Organisation for Migration (IOM), Victor Lutenco (Senior Programme Coordinator), representative of National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Mr. Frederick Uche Oko, and the Vice Chairman NBA Lagos State, Esther Jimo, etc.
FG REAFFIRMS ITS COMMITMENT TO PROVIDE ENABLING ENVIRONMENT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS PROTECTION IN NIGERIA
Plateau: troops repel attack on Jol community in Riyom
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have foiled an attack on Jol village in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 3:30 p.m. on April 7 when troops of Sector 6 responded to reports of an attack by suspected terrorists on the community.
On arrival, the troops engaged the assailants in a firefight, forcing them to retreat into surrounding bushes.
No casualty was reported during the encounter.
The troops have since intensified patrols and continued to dominate the general area to deny the attackers freedom of action and prevent further threats.
Security sources said efforts were ongoing to track the fleeing suspects and sustain stability in the area.
Plateau: troops repel attack on Jol community in Riyom
Six killed, two injured as troops respond to terrorist attack on goods vehicle in Gusau
By: Zagazola Makama
Six persons have been killed and two others injured following a terrorist attack on a vehicle conveying goods in Toffa village, Gusau Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Security sources said troops of 1 Brigade, deployed at Combat Team 3 Magami, responded to distress information on the incident at about 2:30 p.m. on April 6 while on a fighting patrol.
According to the sources, the attackers opened fire on the vehicle, forcing it to overturn.
On arrival at the scene, the troops discovered that six occupants had been killed, while two others sustained injuries.
The injured victims were evacuated to a medical facility for treatment.
Security sources said troops have intensified patrols in the general area as part of efforts to track down the perpetrators and prevent further attacks.
Six killed, two injured as troops respond to terrorist attack on goods vehicle in Gusau
News
From Nigeria to Global Impact: Dr. Henrietta Ukwu’s Recognition Signals Rising Nigerian Influence in Global Health Leadership
From Nigeria to Global Impact: Dr. Henrietta Ukwu’s Recognition Signals Rising Nigerian Influence in Global Health Leadership
By: Michael Mike
A Nigerian-born physician who helped steer some of the world’s most critical drug approvals is drawing fresh global attention—not just for her personal achievements, but for what her journey represents about African excellence on the world stage.
Henrietta Ukwu has been named to Marquis Who’s Who, a century-old registry widely regarded as a benchmark for professional distinction and global influence. But beyond the honour itself, her recognition is being seen as a powerful reflection of the growing footprint of Nigerian professionals in shaping global health outcomes.
Currently serving as Executive Vice President and Chief Regulatory Officer at Novavax Inc., Ukwu operates at the highest level of pharmaceutical decision-making—where science meets policy, and where regulatory approvals determine which life-saving treatments reach millions.
Her influence spans major global institutions, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, European Medicines Agency, and other top-tier regulatory bodies, placing her at the centre of global public health governance.
Yet, analysts say her story is more than a career milestone—it is a case study in how African expertise is increasingly shaping solutions to global crises.
Beyond Recognition, A Story of Global Health Transformation
Ukwu’s career has unfolded across some of the most defining health challenges of the modern era. From her early work at Merck & Co., where she contributed to breakthrough vaccines and HIV treatments, to her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic at Novavax, her work has directly impacted millions of lives.
Her role in securing Emergency Use Authorization for a COVID-19 vaccine in the United States marked a critical moment in the global pandemic response—one that required navigating complex regulatory landscapes under intense pressure.
Reflecting on her journey, Ukwu has consistently highlighted the collaborative nature of her achievements, describing her latest recognition as a tribute to “extraordinary teams” rather than individual success.
A Career That Mirrors Global Shifts in Medicine
With over three decades in the pharmaceutical industry, Ukwu’s trajectory mirrors the evolution of modern medicine—from the early battles against HIV/AIDS to the rapid-response vaccine development seen during COVID-19.
Her contributions to HIV/AIDS drug approvals helped shift the disease from a death sentence to a manageable chronic condition—one of the most significant medical transformations of the late 20th century.
Experts note that regulatory leaders like Ukwu often operate behind the scenes, yet their decisions are critical in determining the speed, safety, and accessibility of medical innovations worldwide.
Nigeria Connection Remains Strong
Despite her global stature, Ukwu has maintained strong ties to Nigeria, where she trained at the University of Jos. Her long-term vision includes contributing directly to the country’s healthcare system and rural development.
She is currently working with her family on a foundation aimed at improving basic infrastructure in her home community—focusing on clean water access, roads, and solar-powered energy solutions.
Her future plans also include deeper engagement with Nigeria’s public health sector, signalling a potential transfer of global expertise back to local systems.
Symbol of a Broader Trend
Her inclusion in Marquis Who’s Who comes at a time when Nigerian professionals are increasingly gaining prominence across global industries—from medicine and technology to academia and policy.
For many observers, Ukwu’s recognition underscores a broader narrative: that talent from developing countries is not only participating in global systems but actively shaping them.
As global health challenges grow more complex, figures like Ukwu represent a new kind of leadership—one that bridges continents, disciplines, and systems in pursuit of solutions that affect humanity as a whole.
From Nigeria to Global Impact: Dr. Henrietta Ukwu’s Recognition Signals Rising Nigerian Influence in Global Health Leadership
Plateau: troops repel attack on Jol community in Riyom
Six killed, two injured as troops respond to terrorist attack on goods vehicle in Gusau
From Nigeria to Global Impact: Dr. Henrietta Ukwu’s Recognition Signals Rising Nigerian Influence in Global Health Leadership
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