By Chibuike Nwabuko
Abuja (Sundiata Post) – As Nigeria joins other member countries to celebrate the 2024 Common Wealth Day, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called for the creation of an environment that would advance the course and wellbeing of humanity.
The Executive Secretary, NHRC, Dr Tony Ojukwu, SAN, made the call on Monday at the 2024 Common Wealth Day celebration in Abuja.
The theme of this year’s event is “One resilient common future: Transforming our Commonwealth.’’
The NHRC Scribe reminded that the theme of this year’s Common Wealth Day captures how the 56 member countries can 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 Common Wealth on the core values of peace, democracy and human rights, which are the foundation upon which this very unique institution is built.
“The commemoration also provides an opportunity to recommit ourselves to achieving these ideals and to advance cooperation towards achieving the goal of the Commonwealth – unity, peace, progress and prosperity of nations.
“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.
“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.
This, he said, lies at the background of the unique opportunity presented by the event.
Similarly in his goodwill message, the Commonwealth Chair-in-Office and President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, represented by Vianney Rubagumya, 2nd Counsellor, Rwanda High Commission in Nigeria, said the theme was particularly relevant as member states navigate a world brimming with both challenges and opportunities. Adding that the upcoming CHOGM in Samoa in October was expected to solidify the strength of the Commonwealth.
Also in his goodwill message, 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. Stressing that, it also advances the cherished principles of democracy and human rights that form the bedrock of our collective values.
According to him, “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.’’
He therefore, pleaded with stakeholders to prioritise the empowerment and youth inclusion in their collective endeavours.
The highpoints of the event were the NYSC cultural troupe performance by the NYSC and junior secondary school, Area 11, and the poetry rendition by the students of Capital Science Academy.
Sundiata Post recalls that the Common Wealth Day is celebrated on the second Monday of March every year and it is observed in 56 member states in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and Americas, the Pacific and Europe.