By Chris Udochukwu
ABUJA – The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Tony Ojukwu has called commonwealth member states to recommit themselves to achieving the ideals and to advance cooperation towards achieving the goal of the Commonwealth – unity, peace, progress and prosperity of nations.
The Learned Silk made the call on Monday at the 2024 Commonwealth Day commemoration in Abuja on Monday.
Precise Post recalls that the theme of this year’s event is “One resilient common future: Transforming our Commonwealth.’’
The Executive Secretary further stated that the theme of this year’s Common Wealth Day encapsulates how the member countries must harness their strengths by building resilience, unlocking potential, leveraging the ‘Commonwealth advantage’ and fostering a connected digital Commonwealth.
In his words: ““This year’s commemoration creates a moment for reflection by members and citizens of the Commonwealth on the core values of peace, democracy and human rights, which are the foundation upon which this very unique institution is built.
“The National Human Rights Commission identifies today with the ideals and purpose of the Commonwealth and joins all member states to celebrate the Commonwealth on this special occasion.’’
“The Commonwealth had become a historic platform that promotes democracy, peace and human rights, as well as core values that deliver sustainable development and prosperity to all.
“The National Human Rights Commission shares these values and believes that its mission to promote, protect and enforce human rights fits squarely into these principles. In many parts of the world today, we are faced with numerous social, political, economic and conflict related challenges which impacts on the attainment of the values which we celebrate today.
He therefore called for the creation of an environment that would advance the course and wellbeing of humanity.
According to him, “From climate change, insecurity, undemocratic interferences to hunger, inequalities, conflicts of diverse classifications, among many others with attendant consequences on the enjoyment of human rights.”
He said amid the gloomy picture lay a bright hope that coming together as nations and peoples, they could chart a course to engender dialogue on ways to improve society.
In his remarks, the Director General, National Youth Service Corps, Brig–Gen. Yusha’u Ahmed, represented by Maxwell Isa, said that youths were the catalysts for positive change and sustainable progress.
He said the Commonwealth Day provided the opportunity for fostering stronger economic, social and cultural co-operation among member nations.
“As you are aware, the NYSC is an organisation dedicated to nurturing and empowering the youths. We are aware of the pivotal role that the younger generation play in shaping the future of our nation.’’
Highpoints of the event were the performance by the NYSC cultural troupe and a poetry rendition by the students of Capital Science Academy.
Precise Post recalls that the Commonwealth Day is celebrated on March 2, every year and observed in 56 member states and by people all over the Commonwealth in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and Americas, the Pacific and Europe.