By DAYO ADESULU
A Day of Advocacy, Solidarity and Civic Engagement Across Lagos
Lagos played host to a whirlwind of activism on Human Rights Day as prominent advocates, legal practitioners, student leaders and civic groups gathered across the city to push for safety, accountability and integrity in Nigeria. The movement stretched from the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) Ikeja Branch to the University of Lagos and ended with a community meet-up in Yaba, creating a full day of conversations centred on strengthening human rights protections.
The Lagos human rights events brought renewed attention to Nigeria’s security challenges and the country’s growing demand for accountable leadership.
Vibrant Session at NBA Ikeja on Safety and Mass Killings
The day opened at the NBA Ikeja Branch — widely known as the Tiger Branch — where the Human Rights Day event drew an energetic crowd of lawyers, activists and journalists. The panel focused on the right to safety, security and the urgent need to address mass killings in Nigeria, a concern that continues to dominate national discourse.
The panel featured retired Commodore Kunle Olawunmi, a respected security expert; Dr. Kuti Ezebiro, who delivered what attendees described as a sharp, engaging and punchy contribution; and Justice Fadipe, who moderated the conversation with frankness and clarity. Their discussions explored recurring security failures, Nigeria’s slow justice processes and the implications of unchecked violence on civil liberties.
Despite the political tensions surrounding the event, including the Lagos State Police Commissioner’s recent declaration of one of the speakers as wanted, the gathering unfolded just a few meters from the Lagos State Police Command headquarters. The tension did little to dampen the atmosphere, as participants praised Barrister Joseph Opute for ensuring the attendance of key voices and safeguarding the spirit of the event.
The Lagos human rights events at the NBA highlighted a deepening public frustration with insecurity and an increasing resolve among legal minds to push for reforms that protect citizens.
UNILAG Hosts Gani Fawehinmi Integrity Award
Shortly after the NBA engagement, the advocacy trail moved to the University of Lagos for the Gani Fawehinmi Integrity Award, organised by the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA) Resource Centre. Founded in 2001 by civic activist Olanrewaju Suraju, HEDA has become one of Nigeria’s most influential voices against corruption and human rights abuses.
Led by Arigbabu Sulaimon Olawale, popularly known as “Bruno,” the event celebrated the legacy of Gani Fawehinmi, a legal icon remembered for unwavering defiance against oppression. Former student union leaders Adeola Soetan, Barrister Nurudeen Ogbara and Sina Odugbemi enriched the conversation with historical context and rousing reflections on social justice.
Even though the delegation arrived at the tail end of the programme, UNILAG students offered a warm and energetic welcome, showing the continued enthusiasm of young people for activism rooted in integrity. Their response underscored the relevance of the Lagos human rights events to the next generation of civic leaders.
A Community Round-off in Yaba
As evening settled, the day’s journey wound down in a modest restaurant tucked inside Yaba, where activists and comrades gathered for informal conversations. The gathering included Ogugua Iwelu, Tope Adeyoju, and several Take It Back (TIB) movement members such as Netufo Tomide, Sanyaolu Juwon, Dami Ay Yk, Remyte Goonz, the Lagos AAC chair, and Pastor Samplus Psam Olan.
The mood was relaxed but purposeful. Over shared meals, the group exchanged insights about the day’s engagements, reflected on ongoing civic struggles and mapped out upcoming advocacy efforts. For many, this final stop captured the heart of activism — community, unity and shared determination.
A Full Day of Advocacy and Human Rights Conversations
From the Tiger Branch to UNILAG and down to Yaba, the Lagos human rights events reflected the city’s restless spirit and its central role in Nigeria’s civic awakening. Throughout the day, the calls for safety, integrity and accountability echoed consistently, reinforcing the shared belief that Nigeria’s security and governance challenges demand collective action.
Human Rights Day in Lagos became more than a calendar date — it became a living testament to ideas in motion, solidarity across generations, and a community that refuses to remain silent.
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