IHRC Award : Ambassador At Large, Dr Friday Sani Paul Representing Nigeria Honoured Lambert Okpara , Director National Human Rights Commission, Abuja FCT , A mark of A Milestone Synergy Between The Two Organization in Defence of Human Rights
A team from the IHRC led by Dr. Friday were at the office of the Director Lambert Okpara, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Headquarters, Abuja FCT. They were there for a unique purpose.
The National Human Rights Commission of Nigeria (“the NHRC ”) was established by the National Human Rights Commission (Amendment) Act, 1995, as amended by the NHRC Act, 2010. The Commission serves as an extra-judicial mechanism which safeguards the human rights of the Nigerian population.. It monitors human rights in Nigeria, assists victims of human rights violations, and helps in the formulation of the Nigerian Government's policies on human rights.
The Commission has been active in investigation and monitoring of numerous human rights situations since its founding.
It is said “ honour is given to whom honors is due”. Besides he Who the cap fits let him wear. IHRC were with a man full of potential and leadership acumen to present an award of excellence to Lambert Okpara, Director NHRC. This is in honour of his dedication to Human Righteous and all the good work he has done to enhance positive change .
Ambasador at large representing IHRC Nigeria Dr. Friday Sani Paul (Makama) said this singular honour marks another milestone in the history of International Human Rights Commission and formidable collaboration with domestic commissions to recognize Dr. Lambert’s positive contributions to the fight against human rights violations in Nigeria.
“Before this time , we have always seeing you as a partner. Apart from that , you are serving this great National Human Rights Commission as a Director. We have picked a special interest at the IHRC, perhaps because our your ingenuity and we appreciate that... On behalf of the world Secretary, the chairman of IHRC all over the globe. I am here with the working committee... to appreciate you , to thank you immensely. We cannot see the success of the fight against COVID-19 without people like you: Friday Sani said
“It is my singular honour on behalf of the world Secretary IHRC to present a certificate of appreciation to you. "
“ Director, May I use this ample opportunity sir, to also inform you that IHRC in Nigeria is an a complementary time . And there are so many things that the body can make very easy for the country and the government of today And example of it Sir is the face mask I am wearing now. In our IHRC have since partnered with a local consultant and producer, even before the outbreak of COVID-19... What I am wearing now was recently produced and presented by an Israeli company ... Planned designed with materiels sourced by a local producer in Nigeria. “
“We have a document if it is taken seriously by the way of MoU, we at the world headquarters is prepared to produce this face mask end masse and then subsidies it for every Nigerian to have and own it. It is not meant for a particular class of people . So it is in that regard sir, I may also wish to present our proposed MoU for your scrutiny. The next time we shall be visiting the commission, the MoU can be signed and approved on that day”.
In his response, The Director National Human Rights Commission Abuja Fact Lambert Okpara pledged his continuous support for the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) in Nigeria. He reiterated his commitments to work for the defence of human rights in Nigeria.
“Let me on behalf of the Executive Secretary of the commission formerly receive you to the commission (hands clapped) let me also say that I feel highly delighted and humbled by the honour bestowed on me. I appreciate, cherished it more than any other thing anybody could have given me this year (hands clapped).”
“The reason is not that I have not being able to receive any gift inform of recognition. But I found this more professional for the past 23 years I have being doing this job. “
“ In fact , I am almost winding up my activities here but received this is ... something... Let me also put on record that your organization IHRC has a lot of influence in the international community.”
“Right from the time I had engaged with your leader, Ambasat at Large Dr. Friday Sani . I have no doubt that it is a matter of time. Yoibwill do very well. I dont have any doubt. Because ibhavr gone through his background and I have known him. Each time I meet those people they will tell me .look. This is an activist. : said Lambert Okpara
Lambert , the Director National Human Rights Commission Abuja Nigeria extol the virtues of Dr. Friday Sani Makama while receiving the award
“You know there are people who led activism. There are people who led activism in a profession, there are also this who are born activists. Right from their blood , they as born to protect people not even themselves. They are very much interested in the rights of other people , community etc. Such people are very rare in the society and if you find them in a combination of that traditional gift and their professionalism. You will see that they will excel no matter the circumstances or challenges.... Generally, we are in the same shoes with you. We cherish your commitment and zeal to excel and what you have done today for me. It is something I will cherish forever.. I commend you so much !”
Responding to questions from pressmen the Ambassador at large, Dr Friday described the person and personality of Lambert Okpara Director NHRC Abuja FCT as a highly resourceful person worthy of recognition.
“ He has a lot of potentials. He is so concern about humanity. As you know government of various countries of the world are so scared of the department if Human Rights Commission... May be because a lot of things have gone under the system. And it is difficult to disclose it . where you are now suppose to be a court of law that is capable of sentence whoever violate Human rights. But it is not as operational as it ought to be. And this is why the child International Human Rights Commission came into being. So that the various countries, we can give them the enabling support to able to fully operate as it ought to be. . . but right now it is like a free office and we don’t want it so. If we have a functional National Human Rights Commission with all the powers as a lawful court, tribunal. You will discover that it will be difficult for many political office holders to put laws into their hands. It will be difficult for security agencies to go beyond the confines of the law.” Friday Said
“ And that is why we are all out to make sure that this place NHRC does not become importent instead a full fledged operational tribunal that can only sanction those who violates human rights “ : He added
- Inah Stephen , Abuja
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