Precious Williams (Corper) Sakirat Akinbami(Intern)
The Coalition of Civil Societies and Pro-Democracy Activists on Monday organized Human Rights Celebration in ogun state which attracted number of participants across all sectors including the media in attendance.
Penpushing reports that the celebration was held at the secretariat of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) located along Moshood Abiola Way, Abeokuta, the ancient town, where number of participants contributed meaningfully
The Founding Director of Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC) Dr. Abiola Akiyode Afolabi in her his speech on “Accountability, Gender Inequalities, and Corruption” highlighted the interconnectedness of these issues adding that corruption exacerbates gender inequalities, undermining justice and equality.
Penpushing further reports that she pointed out that corruption in healthcare, education, and law enforcement denies women essential services and protections, stressing that women bear the brunt of corruption, perpetuating poverty and inequality, adding that limited female representation in decision-making positions worsens corruption’s impact.
The human rights activist stated that corruption denies women fundamental rights, excluding them from social, political, and economic advancement, and therefore called for action to address corruption in reducing gender inequalities.
Penpushing also reports that Akiyode-Afolabi emphasized that this include increase women’s participation in decision-making, ensure accountability and transparency it public sectors as well as protect women’s rights and access to essential Services
The Former National Publicity Secretary, Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), Comrade Tunde Oladunjoye in his remarks stressed need for civil society organisations to continue to play their roles in the society.
‘It is in the interest of our community and society for the CSOs to be up and working and virile in their area of interests, either good governance, environment, law enforcement, climate change, women’s right, Labour matters and what have you’, he said.
Penpushing reports that Oladunjoye equally urged Civil Societies Organisations(CSOs) activists to be true to their callings by creating within the microcosm of each organisation what the body desire and clamour for in the macro society and government.
‘Human rights activism is not a profession, neither it is a license to blackmail people in the society or churn out unsubstantiated gibberish in a holier-than-thou posture that cannot stand the test of time, law, morality or logic’.
‘How democratic are we in our various organizations? How accountable are we? Do we render annual reports. Do we have audited reports of our finances? Are we financially transparent? That probity we demand from government and public officials, do we apply it in our various organisations too? Oladunjoye emphasised
‘How do we see government and its agents/representatives? Good, when we have access and can obtain material benefits and bad, when we no longer have access? Why are we so readily available to support and even organise protests in support of politically exposed persons facing corruption charges, including those who have shunned court orders, summons and appearances?’
‘How do we relate with our comrades in government? Are they to be engaged or obtained? Or to be enviously derided because they are “making money and not sharing it with “comrades”? Are we honest with ourselves. How have we been able to manage the little largesse we get once in a while from unexpected quarters?’
‘It is true that the issue of unemployment is rife in our nation, but activism cannot be turned into a vocation. Activism never stopped Bekololari Ransome-Kuti from medical practice (except when detained by the military dictatorship) same for Gani Fawehinmi, Owei Lakemfa, Baba Omojola, Alao Aka-Bashorun, Richard Akinnola, FemiFalana, Ayo Obe, Femi Aborishade, Osagie Obayuwana, Jiti Ogunye, Festus Iyayi, and many more. These aforementioned activists had/have jobs and callings they did not suppress for activism’.
‘In those days in the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), we not only published annual reports, we published audited reports annually and our elections were regular, free and fair. I don’t know if same applies to the CSOs of today. This is in no way a generalization, but a call to order. We have activists who are truthful and very genuine. They should be role models to professional activists”.
‘A strong, active and virile CSOs will immensely benefit the society and not the “what’s-in-it” activists. We really need to remove the logs in our eyes before talking about the specs in the eyes of other people including politicians. Activist, be true to thyself. Only this can reduce inequality and advance human rights in our society’, he added.
Penpushing further reports that Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon Adijat Adeleye in her solidarity message said the International Human Rights Celebration serves as a powerful reminder of the principles that unite us as human beings—justice, fairness, and equality.
The Commissioner who is equally is an activist added that from gender gaps to economic disparities, inequalities manifest in ways that deeply affect the social and economic fabric of the communities, stating that the theme for the celebration was apt
‘As Nigerians, we are no strangers to challenges that test these principles daily, but we gather here with hope and determination to affirm our commitment to creating a society where everyone’s rights are respected and protected’
‘Labour strikes, for instance, remind us of the widening gap between those who work tirelessly to build this nation and the systems that often fail to reward their efforts fairly. Students’ unrest points to deep-rooted challenges in our education system, where inadequate resources and unfulfilled promises fuel discontent’.
‘And police brutality? It is a painful reminder that those sworn to protect sometimes wield power in ways that harm the very people they are meant to serve. There are not just statistics of pains and agonies outside there; there are touching and pathetic stories—stories of neighbours, friends, and fellow Nigerians’.
‘As Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, I am particularly in agreement to how these challenges disproportionately affect the most vulnerable among us, especially women and children’.
‘When labour strikes occur, it is the women who often bear the burden of sustaining families in sympathy to the breadwinner of the family. During students’ unrest, female students face heightened risks of harassment and disruption to their education. And in the face of police brutality, it is often the marginalized who pay the highest price. Addressing these challenges is not just a necessity—it is a moral obligation’.
Penpushing also reports that Adeleye explained that in Ogun State, efforts are ongoing to bridge these gaps, stressing that with the consistent support of Governor Dapo Abiodun through empowerment programmes, the government is equipping women with the tools to achieve economic independence.
‘We are investing in youth initiatives to provide alternatives to unrest, ensuring that our students have access to the quality education they deserve. (The success stories of NFPW and OKO’Owo DAPO Projects are all over the Three Senatorial districts)’
‘Additionally, the present administration keeps promoting dialogue between communities and law enforcement, aiming to rebuild trust and ensure that policing is rooted in respect for human rights. These are steps forward, but we recognize that the journey is far from over’,Adeleye added.
Penpushing reports, she noted that no government anywhere can do this alone, stating that real change happens only when we come together, as individuals, as communities, and as institutions, emphasizing that civil society, religious organizations, traditional leaders, and indeed every Nigerian has a collective and individual role to play in reducing inequality.
Let us amplify the voices of the oppressed, hold our systems accountable, and challenge the status quo wherever it fails to uphold justice and equity. As we gather here today, let us commit ourselves to reimagining a Nigeria where labour strikes are replaced with fair and just negotiations’,
‘Where students are empowered to express their concerns constructively without fear, and where police brutality is not tolerated but eradicated. Let us see this gathering not as an end, but as a beginning—a collective resolve to make Nigeria a place where equality is not an ideal but a reality.
‘A nation is only as strong as its commitment to justice and fairness for all. Reducing inequality and advancing human rights is not just a dream—it is our shared duty. As we walk away from here, let us carry with us the courage to speak, the wisdom to act, and the compassion to build a better, fairer Nigeria. Together, we can and must create a legacy of equality for generations to come’, she emphasised.
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