Full Speech Below:
WELCOME REMARK BY AMB. PST. EDEWOR EGEDEGBE, CHAIRMAN, BOARD OF TRUSTEES, CITIZENS RIGHTS CONCERN ENHANCEMENT INITIATIVE (HUMAN RIGHTS PROTECTION CONGRESS) AT THE 3RD NATIONAL DIALOGUE IN COMMEMORATION OF NIGERIA’S 65TH INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY, HELD AT ABRAHAM’S PLACE, OFF IGHREKPOKPO ROAD, UGHELLI ON WEDNESDAY, 1ST OCTOBER, 2025
Protocols
Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, respected stakeholders, civil society actors, government representatives, our vibrant youth, and fellow compatriots,
With deep joy and profound honour, I warmly welcome you to the 3rd National Dialogue of the Citizens Rights Concern Enhancement Initiative, also known as the Human Rights Protection Congress.
Today, as we commemorate Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, we are gathered not only to celebrate our journey as a nation but also to reflect critically on how democracy, youth development, and human rights can chart a secured and prosperous course for the next 25 years.
The theme of this dialogue “Democracy, Youth Development and Human Rights Advancement: Securing Nigeria’s Next 25 Years” is both timely and urgent.
Democracy is more than institutions and periodic elections; it is about the people, their participation, vigilance, and courage to demand justice. Where citizens are passive, democracy weakens. Where citizens are active, democracy thrives.
Yet, as we speak of democracy and human rights, we must confront a painful truth: gender-based violence remains a grave threat to peace, justice, and development. Too many women and girls continue to live under the burden of abuse, harmful practices, and discrimination. A democracy that overlooks their pain is incomplete. A nation that silences half of its population cannot achieve true progress.
This is why the Male Feminist Network, which I am privileged to coordinate in the south-south region, stands as a vital partner in Nigeria’s renewal. Feminism is not about antagonism between men and women; it is about mutual respect, fairness in families, opportunities in communities, equality through equity, and justice in governance. It calls men to stand beside women in dismantling harmful stereotypes and traditions that rob women and girls of dignity, safety, and a promising future.
If Nigeria must secure its next 25 years, our youth male and female alike must rise as defenders of justice, equality, equity and peace. Their energy must be channeled into innovation, leadership, and civic activism that places human rights at the heart of governance. And this must include ensuring that women and girls are safe, valued, and empowered.
Allow me to commend our keynote speaker, Oghenejabor Ikimi, Esq., whose consistent advocacy for human rights and the rule of law continues to inspire us. I also wish to pay glowing tribute to an Elder statesman, Abraham Ogbodo, retired Editor of The Guardian Newspaper, for his civic generosity in making this hall available for our use today at no cost, a rare and profound act of patriotism worthy of emulating.
Distinguished participants, the future of Nigeria will not be secured by chance. It will be secured by conscious citizens, men and women, young and old who dare to speak against injustice, who protect the vulnerable, and who reject corruption and abuse of power. If we embrace this responsibility and commit ourselves to ending gender-based violence, then our democracy will be stronger, our rights better protected, and our future far more secure than ever.
Peace is the foundation for growth and stability. By reducing conflicts and promoting harmony, we can drive sustainable national development. Let us commit to embracing total peace as the true path to progress.
I welcome you once again to this historic dialogue. May our deliberations today inspire concrete action tomorrow, and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Thank you.
