The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), in partnership with the Thelema Lion Foundation, has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the rights of women and vulnerable communities, declaring that food security remains a critical human rights concern in Nigeria.
The position was articulated by the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, at the 4th Annual Seminar on Zero Hunger and Free Food Palliative Distribution and Empowerment, held in Abuja. The seminar, themed “Renewed Hope: Strategic Nutrition Planning for Family Wellness,” underscored the importance of strategic partnerships in promoting human rights, social justice, and inclusive development.
Dr. Ojukwu emphasized that empowering women delivers far-reaching benefits to society. He described gender inclusion as a core priority of the Commission, noting that investment in women translates directly into stronger families and communities.
He further linked access to food and proper nutrition to fundamental human rights, describing initiatives focused on food security as essential interventions. According to him, the NHRC recognises the work of the Thelema Lion Foundation as vital to protecting dignity and promoting well-being, particularly among vulnerable populations.
Dr. Ojukwu stressed that empowerment initiatives must go beyond charity, noting that food and economic support programmes also restore hope and dignity to survivors of hardship. He said such interventions send a strong message that vulnerable persons are not abandoned and that their future remains viable.
Highlighting the importance of collaboration, he noted that the advancement of human rights requires collective effort involving government institutions, civil society organisations, non-governmental bodies, and development partners. He described the partnership between the NHRC and the Thelema Lion Foundation as a practical model of how collaboration can deliver meaningful impact.
Reaffirming the Commission’s advocacy mandate, Dr. Ojukwu stated that the NHRC would continue to promote human rights-based, inclusive, and gender-responsive policies, while supporting programmes that prioritise vulnerable groups and sustainable food systems.
In her remarks, the Founder of the Thelema Lion Foundation, Mrs. Ifeoma Lilian Agu, outlined the Foundation’s Movement 2025 initiative, aimed at building a Nigeria where access to food, shelter, and opportunity is guaranteed. She said her personal experience with hunger shaped the Foundation’s mission, adding that true wealth lies in the lasting impact created through service.
She described the Foundation as a movement dedicated to uplifting the vulnerable and empowering the marginalised through a holistic approach that integrates food support, shelter, education, and economic empowerment, in partnership with organisations such as the NHRC.
Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation, Mrs. Ngozi Madubike, highlighted the impact of its flagship Women Arise Symposium, noting that more than 5,000 women have benefited from skills training, financial support, and capacity-building programmes. She added that scholarships, maternal care initiatives, and medical outreaches have supported over 2,000 women and children in rural communities.
Madubike acknowledged the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which she said worsened poverty and inequality, particularly among women. However, she reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to innovation and sustained outreach to vulnerable groups.
The event concluded with a renewed call for sustained collaboration and investment in women’s empowerment, food security, and sustainable livelihoods, as both the NHRC and Thelema Lion Foundation reiterated their commitment to building a Nigeria where dignity, opportunity, and hope are accessible to all.
