NHRC Honors Ford Foundation for Human Rights Support

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) presented an award to the Ford Foundation in recognition of its long-standing support for human rights initiatives in Nigeria during a ceremony held in Abuja over the weekend. Chichi Aniagolu Okoy, the Ford Foundation's Regional Director for West Africa, received the award.

Dr. Toni Ojukwu, the NHRC Executive Secretary, commended the Ford Foundation for its consistent backing, particularly in initiatives aimed at expanding access to justice and strengthening the Commission's operational capacity.

Aniagolu Okoy highlighted the significance of the recognition, reaffirming the Foundation's commitment to promoting human rights and ensuring citizens are aware of their rights and can seek justice when violated. She noted that mere recognition is insufficient without a strong enforcement system to bridge the gap in knowledge and access to justice.

Hilary Ogbonna, a senior human rights advisor at the NHRC, expressed appreciation for the Ford Foundation's enduring partnership, emphasizing the importance of media in amplifying human rights issues.