By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has kicked off the 2025 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence with a renewed call for coordinated national action, an observance that coincides with the Commission’s 30th anniversary.
Executive Secretary Dr. Tony Ojukwu made the call on Friday during a press conference heralding the 16-day of activism commencing from 25th November to 10th December 2025.
The Learned Silk said the milestone presents an opportunity to reflect on three decades of defending justice, human dignity, and equality in Nigeria.
Ojukwu reaffirmed that gender-based violence remains one of the most pervasive human rights violations in the country, stressing that the 16-day global campaign, symbolically links violence against women to fundamental human rights. He emphasised that Nigeria must continue to stand firmly with survivors, women, girls, and vulnerable groups across all communities.
The 2025 campaign features a coordinated series of activities across all 36 states and the FCT. These include road shows led by First Ladies, engagements with State Assemblies, traditional rulers, and religious bodies; advocacy visits to Chief Judges; meetings with women and youth groups; school outreach programmes; assessments of health facilities’ responses to SGBV; and a nationwide Human Rights Day rally on December 10.
Between November 30 and December 13, the Commission will compile state-level findings, issue communiqués, analyse reports, and begin implementing recommendations aimed at strengthening protection systems. A Human Rights Forum will also take place in Abuja, bringing together MDAs and CSOs to evaluate the national human rights landscape and set priorities for 2026, Ojukwu said.
In marking its 30-year legacy, the NHRC reiterated its commitment to building a society where women and girls live free from fear, discrimination, and harmful practices.
Ojukwu also called on the National Assembly to pass legislation creating special constituencies for women, describing the neglect of affirmative action as a form of violence against women.
The Commission highlighted several empowerment programmes undertaken with partners including the EU, UNDP, FRED Foundation, Taipei Trade Office, Thelma Lion Foundation, Dorothy Njemanze Foundation, and National Assembly members. These initiatives have supported hundreds of vulnerable and indigent women with financial support, business tools, and skills to reduce their risk of further abuse.
Ojukwu assured Nigerians that the NHRC remains committed to impartiality, accountability, and fair hearing, stressing that no case of gender-based violence or human rights abuse will be ignored. Perpetrators, he said, will continue to be held accountable under the law.
He urged governments, civil society, traditional institutions, faith-based groups, the media, and individuals to transform awareness into concrete action. Strengthening representation, especially for women in politics and leadership, he said, is essential to lasting change.
Concluding the briefing, Ojukwu called on all Nigerians to use these 16 days—and every day beyond—to reaffirm the national commitment to justice, equality, and human dignity.
