NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
NGO trains activists on human rights app

NGO trains activists on human rights app

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By Oluwatope Lawanson

A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Devatop Centre for Africa Development, has trained 100 human rights activists on the effective usage of “TALKAM” app to strengthen grassroots responses to abuse and promote digital justice.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the training was held on Friday in Lagos in partnership with the Intercultural Innovation Hub (IIH).

 

The Executive Director, Devatop, Mr Joseph Osuigwe, said the workshop was focused on advocacy and community engagement with the use of the app.

 

Osuigwe, represented by its Lagos Project Lead, Miss Janet Homo, said the workshop was organised to educate human rights activists on how to use TALKAM App, a mobile platform developed to enable citizens report human rights violations in real time.

He said the training under the Talkam Human Rights Initiative Project, held simultaneously in Lagos and Cross Rivers states, was facilitated by experts in human rights and digital advocacy.

 

According to him, the initiative reaffirmed Devatop’s commitment to building a network of digitally skilled and proactive human rights defenders across Nigeria.

He said the initiative would help Nigerians who were not only aware of their rights to take action wherever injustice occurs.

“The trainers led participants through engaging sessions on human rights fundamentals, community-based mobilisation, and how to navigate myths and misconceptions that often hinder advocacy efforts.

“It is a bold step toward equipping a new generation of human rights defenders with the tools, strategies, and digital platforms they need to challenge abuse and uphold justice at the community level.

“A major highlight of the workshop was the introduction and hands-on use of the TALKAM App.

“The participants were taught how to submit cases through the app, interact in the TALK Room, and provide feedback through the Google Play Store to help improve user experience,” he said.

 

He added that the aim of the of the training was for participants to develop customised community action plans, gain digital advocacy skills, and express increased confidence in their ability to identify human rights violations.

Mr Bemshima Abako, a facilitator, highlighted that a common myth was the belief that only governments were responsible for protecting human rights.

Abako stressed that individuals also had a vital role to play in protecting human rights.

During group discussions, Prudence Inana an advocate, emphasised the importance of giving children the space to participate in decision-making processes.

Another participant, Ayoola Gandonu, called for the training to be replicated in other states for wider reach and greater national impact.

Reflecting on the experience, Mr Anthony Oyigbeche, one of the newly trained advocates, expressed gratitude to Devatop for the knowledge shared and the smooth coordination of the programme.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Nigeria not snubbed in UN Human Rights Council election – Presidency

Nigeria not snubbed in UN Human Rights Council election – Presidency

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By Salif Atojoko

Nigeria was not snubbed in the 2024 UN Human Rights Council election, as some reports have claimed, says Mr Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President, Information and Strategy.

Onanuga said this in a statement titled, “Setting the Record Straight,” on Sunday.

He said the country did not stand as a candidate for this cycle of elections, just like it did not stand for election in 2023 when a Nigerian medium reported that the country earned three votes.

“The same lie was rehashed in the erroneous report in circulation. Again, we restate that Nigeria was not on the ballot in the election held on Oct. 9.

“Whatever vote was recorded for our country must have been cast in error in the secret balloting by some countries which thought Nigeria was on the ballot,” said Onanuga.

According to him, for those conversant with elections into international organisations, especially to the Human Rights Council, countries vying for positions usually receive regional endorsements.

He said the regional bloc endorsed Benin and Gambia, both members of ECOWAS, for the 2025-2027 term.

Given Nigeria’s continued leadership in fostering African unity, he said the nation focused on supporting the endorsed candidates to promote collective African representation.

“This has been the hallmark of President Bola Tinubu’s leadership on the continent.

“This strategic approach aligns with Nigeria’s long-standing diplomatic efforts to ensure Africa speaks with a united voice on the global stage.

“The media should cross-check their information before rushing to press. There was no sign this was done with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or our country’s mission in New York.

“As Nigerians, we should not be quick to disparage or drag our country, especially on international matters,” said the presidential aide.

He stated that on Oct. 9, the UN General Assembly elected 18 members to the Human Rights Council for the 2025-2027 term.

The members elected to the Council are: Benin, Bolivia, Colombia, Cyprus, Czechia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Gambia, Iceland, Kenya, Marshall Islands, Mexico, North Macedonia, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Spain, Switzerland and Thailand.

Onanuga said the Council was an intergovernmental body within the UN system consisting of 47 States tasked with promoting and protecting human rights globally.

“The election, conducted via secret ballot, determined which nations would fill three-year terms beginning on Jan. 1, 2025, replacing members whose terms expire on Dec. 31, 2024.

“Among the outgoing members are: Argentina, Benin, Cameroon, Eritrea, Finland, Gambia, Honduras, India, Kazakhstan, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Montenegro, Paraguay, Qatar, Somalia, United Arab Emirates and the United States,” he said.

He added that a report on the meeting published by the UN said Argentina, Cameroon, Eritrea, India and Somalia, which had served two consecutive terms, were ineligible for immediate re-election.

Also, Albania, Algeria, Brazil, China, Ghana, Japan, and South Africa will continue serving on the Council.

“In the African regional group, the endorsed candidates, Benin, Gambia, Kenya, DRC, and Ethiopia – successfully secured all the five available seats.

“There was no competition in the African regional group, as the continent fielded the same number of candidates as available seats,” Onanuga clarified. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

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