CHRICED Marks 20 Years, Reaffirms Commitment to Human Rights, Accountability
By Elochukwu Benjamin | Ichie Times
The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has called for renewed efforts to protect civic space, strengthen the rule of law and promote democratic accountability in Nigeria, warning that growing pressures on democratic values has very dire consequences for the nation’s growth.
The Executive Director of CHRICED, Comrade Zikirullahi Ibrahim, made the call in Abuja on Monday during the organisation’s 20th anniversary lecture, which focused on reclaiming civic space, the rule of law, democratic accountability and the future of citizen participation in Nigeria.
The anniversary event, held at the Armed Forces Officers’ Mess and Suites, Asokoro, Abuja, brought together civil society leaders, development partners, members of the diplomatic community and other stakeholders.
Ibrahim said democracy could only thrive when citizens are informed, empowered and actively involved in governance, stressing that protecting citizens’ rights and ensuring their voices were heard remained critical to national development.
He noted that CHRICED, established 20 years ago, had worked across Nigeria to strengthen electoral integrity, promote civic education, expand access to public services, empower women and young people, and defend vulnerable populations.
As part of efforts to deepen civic awareness and citizen participation, the organisation unveiled the Action Civics Manual for Nigerian Students, designed to equip young Nigerians with practical knowledge of civic engagement and advocacy.
It also launched Voices of Vigilance: CHRICED’s Public Interventions in a Defining Era, in two volumes, documenting its interventions in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
The anniversary lecture was delivered under the theme, Reclaiming Civic Space: The Rule of Law, Democratic Accountability, and the Future of Citizen Participation in Nigeria.
Ibrahim said the publications were intended to strengthen democratic learning and encourage citizens, particularly young people, to take active responsibility for protecting democracy.
He also disclosed that CHRICED was expanding its institutional presence, with the establishment of its permanent headquarters, Professor Abubakar Momoh House, in Abuja, and the CHRICED Legacy House in Kano, which is expected to serve as a northern hub for civic engagement, democratic participation and policy advocacy.
The organisation also revealed that it is implementing the Abuja Original Inhabitants Heritage Centre in partnership with the University of Abuja.
