The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has conferred its 2025 Human Rights Media Award on ThisDay correspondent Michael Olugbode, recognising his longstanding contribution to human rights reporting in Nigeria.
The award was presented during an event marking the Commission’s 30th anniversary and the 2025 International Human Rights Day. Special recognition awards were also given to Falmata Daniel of Premium Times and Emeka Amafor of TV360, as well as the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the Dorothy Njemanze Foundation for their contributions to the advancement of human rights.
In its citation, the NHRC described Olugbode as “a veteran Nigerian journalist” with more than 25 years of service marked by “distinguished reportage and unwavering commitment to truth and public accountability.” Beginning his career with the Nigerian Tribune as a business correspondent, Olugbode later joined ThisDay and was deployed to Maiduguri at the height of the Boko Haram insurgency, where he produced some of his most notable work.
The Commission highlighted his courageous reporting on the humanitarian impact of the conflict, noting that his coverage helped draw national and international attention to affected communities. Following the stabilisation of the region, Olugbode was reassigned to Abuja, where he now covers key national institutions including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Interior, and the NHRC itself.
He was commended for his “depth, clarity, and unwavering commitment to factual accuracy,” as well as his consistency, ethical standards, and dedication to amplifying human rights issues across multiple media platforms.
Speaking at the event, NHRC Executive Secretary Tony Ojukwu reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to its founding mandate.
“As Nigeria’s National Human Rights Institution, we recommit ourselves today to the mandate that has guided us for 30 years to protect, promote, and enforce the rights of all persons in Nigeria,” he said.
Ojukwu noted that the celebration coincides with the 30th anniversary of the Commission, established in 1995, and the annual commemoration of International Human Rights Day, observed globally on 10 December to mark the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948.
He said this year’s theme, “Human Rights, Our Everyday Essentials,” underscores the need to reinforce human rights as a unifying solution in challenging global times.
According to the United Nations, the theme emphasises the importance of safeguarding dignity, equality, and freedom from discrimination as universal guarantees.
