The Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), in partnership with the Thelema Lion Foundation, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting women and vulnerable communities.
The Executive Secretary of NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, at the 4th Annual Seminar on Zero Hunger and Free Food Palliative Distribution and Empowerment, held in Abuja stressed that food security is a critical human rights issue.
Themed “Renewed Hope: Strategic Nutrition Planning for Family Wellness,” the event highlighted the power of partnerships in advancing human rights and promoting social justice.
Dr. Ojukwu stressed that empowering women has far-reaching societal benefits. “But if you empower one woman, you’ve empowered the society. And all of us, we are born by women, and that is why when it comes to things concerning women, we at the Human Rights Commission, we don’t joke with it,” he said, underscoring the Commission’s commitment to gender inclusivity.
He further linked food and nutrition to fundamental human rights, framing initiatives like Thelema Lion Foundation’s food programs as essential. “The National Human Rights Commission actually recognizes the importance of the work Thelema Lion Foundation is doing, especially in the area of food nutrition and security, because for us, food and security are human rights issues,” he said.
Dr. Ojukwu emphasized that empowerment goes beyond charity. “This program, therefore, goes beyond donating economic resources and free food palliatives to the survivors who need it most. It symbolizes hope and sends a clear message to each survivor here today that you are not alone. Your dignity is not lost and your future can be revealed.”
Highlighting the importance of collaboration, he said, “Advancing human rights is not the task of one institution alone. It requires robust partnership with local and international stakeholders, government, civil society, non-governmental organizations, and developing partners. Our partnership with the Thelema Lion Foundation and other organizations is an excellent example of how collaboration can bring full benefit to the most vulnerable in our society.”
Reaffirming the NHRC’s policy advocacy role, Dr. Ojukwu added, “We will continue to advocate for policies that are human rights-based, that are inclusive, that are gender responsive, as well as programs that prioritize the most vulnerable populations and support sustainable food systems.”
In her remarks, Founder of Thelema Lion Foundation, Ifeoma Lilian Agu, highlighted the Foundation’s Movement 2025, which seeks to create a Nigeria where all citizens have access to food, shelter, and opportunity. She shared how her personal experience with hunger inspired the Foundation’s mission. “As a child, I knew what it meant to be vulnerable, what it meant to be hungry, and to be in need, but I also knew that I was not alone, and there were people who cared, people who reached out, and who made a difference, and that is why I say the greatest wealth is not in giving, but in the impact we create,” she said.
Agu described Thelema Lion Foundation as more than an organization, calling it “a movement that seeks to uplift the vulnerable, empower the marginalized, and create a world where no one goes to bed hungry.” She emphasized the holistic approach of the Foundation, providing food, shelter, education, and economic empowerment, with the support of key partners including the NHRC.
CEO of Thelema Lion Foundation, Ngozi Madubike, detailed the reach of the Foundation’s flagship Women Arise Symposium, noting that over 5,000 women have benefited from training, financial support, and skills acquisition programs, while scholarships, maternal care, and medical outreaches have supported more than 2,000 women and children in rural communities. She emphasized that empowered women create a ripple effect, transforming families and entire communities.
Madubike also highlighted the resilience of the programs despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. “The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated poverty and inequality, and women have been disproportionately affected, but we are undeterred. We are committed to continuing our work, innovating and finding new ways to reach those who need us most,” she said.
The event concluded with a call for continued collaboration and investment in women’s empowerment, food security, and sustainable livelihoods. Both the NHRC and Thelema Lion Foundation reaffirmed their commitment to creating a Nigeria where every individual can live with dignity, opportunity, and hope.
