National News
NHRC Ready to Fight for Rights of Drug Offenders
NHRC Ready to Fight for Rights of Drug Offenders
By: Michael Mike
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has expressed willingness to fight for the rights of victims of drug related offences.
The NHRC on Thursday harped on the need to assist victims of drug related offences to have access to justice so as not to violate their human rights while trying to prosecute or execute them.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Tony Ojukwu who stated this at the online, side event of the on-going 65th Session of the UN Commission on Narcotic drugs, highlighted the dangers of not following the due process of the law in combating drug related offences by foreign nationals.
Ojukwu observed that where a foreigner is involved in drug related offences, there is every possibility that he might not be availed the needed consular assistance and legal services aside from language barrier which could be a disadvantage in defending the allegations against him.
According to the Ojukwu, death penalty has remained a gross violation of the right life, which is why the advocacy for moratorium on death sentence has remained a better option pending the possibility of reviewing extant legislations in some countries that support the practice of death sentence.
He argued that by all standards, the Commission is not in support of drug abuse or trafficking in narcotic substances, pointing out that while it is expected that authorities should nip in the bud the abuse of these harmful substances, care should be taken not to violate the rights of drug users.
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“Therefore steps should be taken to ensure that those who come in conflict with the law, including alleged drug offenders should enjoy the protection of the relevant local, regional and international laws”, the Executive Secretary stated.
In view of the foregoing, the NHRC Boss opined that monitoring and intervention by the relevant stakeholders will not only ensure that there is adequate record or information to know the trend of drug issues locally and globally, but should also ensure justice for the alleged drug offenders.
The Executive Secretary emphasized the need for national advocacy, most especially for migrants, they need to be informed and educated on the dangers of drugs trafficking in their host country.
In her remarks, the representative of Harm Reduction International (organisers of the online side event), Giada Girelli stated that execution as a result of drug related offences has been verified in 131 countries, adding that in Iran alone, drug related execution has increased to 424 percent.
The drug monitoring expert observed that there has not been any case of drug related execution in Saudi Arabia for the first time in over 15 years, and this according to her could be as a result of moratorium in execution of drug offenders.
She also recalled that there has not been any execution in Singapore despite four notices of execution in the last four months even as she recalled that 35 countries had retained death penalty for drug related offences.
She noted that most of the people who face penalty for drug related offences include; foreign nationals, ethnic minorities, people with mental issues and women.
In her contribution, the representative of Justice Project Pakistan (Civil Society Organisation), Sana Farrukh stated that her organisation has been working with other stakeholders to change the narrative and perception about death penalty through advocacy and communication in Pakistan and around the globe.
She used the opportunity to place on record that Gulf countries are the largest jailers of Pakistans even when the alleged culprits are arrested for non-lethal crimes such as drug trafficking theft and violation of immigration laws.
Specifically, she said that Saudi Arabia remains the largest executioner of Pakistanis for non-fatal crimes, adding that one out of every ten persons executed in Saudi Arabia between 2016 and 2019 were convicted for carrying narcotics in the Kingdom.
In the same vein, Consular of Australian Embassy, Katie Mead,in her closing remarks, stated that this event has raised the profile of death penalty and condemned in its entirety the practice of death penalty, while urging every country to consider abolishing the same, emphasizing that death penalty should be abolished absolutely.
NHRC Ready to Fight for Rights of Drug Offenders
Eid-el-Ftr: FG Declares Monday, Tuesday as Public Holiday
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has declared Monday, March 31, and Tuesday, April 1, 2025, as public holidays to mark the Eid-el-Ftr festival, the celebration marking the end of the Ramadan Fast.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who extended heartfelt congratulations to the Muslim Ummah on the successful completion of the Ramadan fast.
The statement, signed by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, conveyed the Minister’s warm wishes and urged all Muslims to embrace the virtues cultivated during Ramadan – self-discipline, compassion, generosity, and peace.
Tunji-Ojo, while emphasizing the significance of love, forgiveness, and solidarity as key elements in fostering a harmonious society, encouraged Nigerians to use the festive period for prayer, focusing on the peace, stability, and prosperity of the nation.
He expressed hope that the joyous occasion of Eid-el-Fitr would serve as a catalyst for unity and cooperation, bridging divides across religious and ethnic lines.
The minister called on citizens to celebrate safely and responsibly, while remembering the less-privileged through acts of kindness and charity—keeping in line with the true spirit of Ramadan and Eid.
Eid-el-Ftr: FG Declares Monday, Tuesday as Public Holiday
3rd SDGs Film Challenge Launched by Nigeria, UN
By: Michael Mike
The United Nations Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Mohamed Fall, has described Nigeria as a storytelling powerhouse, urging
filmmakers to channel their creative force toward amplifying awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire on Wednesday in Abuja launched the 3rd Edition of the SDGs film Challenge
The film challenge which is a collaboration with the United Nations, aimed at mobilising filmmakers to use films to mobilise the nation towards achieving the SDGs.
The UN has set 2030 to achieve the SDGs which has 17 Goals aimed at improving standards of living across the globe.
Speaking at the launch, Fall said: “Nigeria is a storytelling powerhouse. Our Nollywood industry, which is among largest film industry in the world reaches millions across Africa and beyond. By channelling this creative force toward the SDGs, we are doing more than amplifying awareness.
“We are empowering young Nigerians to take ownership of the development narrative: to spotlight issues like gender inequality, climate change, and poverty, and to present solutions through the lens of sustainability.
“The UN in Nigeria stands firmly behind this mission. This year’s challenge — led by Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, the UN Information Centre, and Fresh NEWS builds on the remarkable momentum of past editions.
“From 73 entries in 2023 to an astonishing 2,250 entries from 119 countries last year, the message is clear: young people are not waiting on the sidelines. They are ready to create, to lead, and to transform their world.
“Globally, the UN Secretary-General has underscored the vital role of youth and digital innovation in driving the 2030 Agenda forward. The SDGs Film Challenge embodies this vision. It aligns with Chapter IV of the Pact for the Future, recognizing youth and future generations as key architects of sustainable development.
“To all filmmakers, producers, and actors across Nigeria: this is your moment. Let your cameras roll.
“Let your stories stir our collective conscience. Whether your lens captures the struggle of a girl fighting for her education or the resilience of communities battling environmental degradation — your voice matters.
“Let’s make 2025 a year where stories drive change, where creativity fuels progress, and where Nigeria leads the charge in storytelling for sustainable development.”
on her part, Orelope-Adefulire said “The SDG Film Challenge is an initiative designed to mobilise filmmakers in this decade of action to accelerate the achievement of the SDG.”
She invited creators to produce impactful short films that highlight development challenges and offer solutions and direct action on critical issues such as poverty, illiteracy, gender equality, climate change, and social justice.
She added: “It is also an opportunity to provide information and to generate hope through our many narratives.
“We challenge them to educate, to provoke conversations and direct action towards achieving more that reduces the violence faced and threatens our planet. The success of this initiative over the past two editions is a testament to the power of partnership and creativity.”
She also stressed that “This year we are introducing a new strategy including training and capacity-building programmes for all the hosting and training sessions with filmmakers who will be stationed in this regard for their future training.
“With today’s launch, the online quarter is officially open for filmmakers to submit short films, multiple films, addressing selected issues.”
She revealed that three finalists will be shortlisted, from the entries with winners receiving prizes, global excursions, and additional opportunities.
Participants are expected to also benefit from the exchange of programme and mentoring initiatives.
3rd SDGs Film Challenge Launched by Nigeria, UN
Vice President Kashim Shettima Arrives for Body of Benchers Annual Lecture in Abuja
By: Our Reporter
Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived at the maiden edition of the Body of Benchers Annual Lecture in Abuja, where he is representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Body of Benchers is a body of legal practitioners of the highest distinction in Nigeria, with the primary responsibility of administering the formal call to the Bar for individuals seeking to become legal practitioners.
The theme of this year’s lecture is: “Half-a-Century of the Body of Benchers: The Past, the Present, and the Future of Maintaining the Ethics of the Legal Profession in Nigeria.”
The lecture will also feature the public presentation of the report of the directions of the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee.
Vice President Kashim Shettima Arrives for Body of Benchers Annual Lecture in Abuja
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