Ojukwu Confered With 2026 UTA International Humanitarian Awar

The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Chief Tony Ojukwu, OFR, SAN, has been confered with the 2026 UTA International Humanitarian Award for his leadership and sustained commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights in Nigeria.

The award was presented by the United Towns Agency for North-South Cooperation (UTA), Nigeria Chapter, at a ceremony held in Abuja on 20 August 2026 as part of activities marking World Humanitarian Day 2026.

UTA, a United Nations-affiliated non-governmental organisation with consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), recognised Chief Ojukwu for his contributions to advancing human dignity, access to justice and the protection of vulnerable and marginalised persons.

Among the interventions highlighted were the provision of economic empowerment to victims of human rights violations, compensation and restorative support for victims, transitional and restorative justice initiatives in the North-East, and efforts to improve access to justice for poor and marginalised persons, according to a statement by Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, Director Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, National Human Rights Commission.

These interventions reflect the NHRC’s victim-centred approach, which goes beyond documenting human rights violations to pursuing accountability, remedies, restoration and opportunities for affected persons to rebuild their lives.

Under Chief Ojukwu’s leadership, the Commission has continued to strengthen its response to violations arising from conflict, poverty, displacement and other forms of vulnerability. The approach is anchored on the principle that humanitarian action must protect not only the immediate welfare of affected persons but also their dignity, rights and long-term wellbeing.

The award ceremony brought together government officials, diplomats, humanitarian actors and other stakeholders committed to promoting human dignity and addressing humanitarian challenges.

The Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, was represented by the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Hajiya Zubaida Abubakar Umar.

Other dignitaries included the Zamfara State Governor, represented by his Chief of Staff, Mouktar Mohammed Lugga; the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi; the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Bernard Doro; members of the diplomatic corps; UTA International Global Secretary-General, Dr. (Amb.) Eya Essif; and the Country President of UTA-Nigeria, Amb. Princess Abigail Amalaha.

Reacting to the honour, Chief Ojukwu described the award as a reminder of the importance of humanitarian service in improving the lives of ordinary Nigerians.

“As a humanitarian myself, this award has stimulated me to do more,” he said.

He added that the recognition reinforces the need to place victims, dignity and justice at the centre of human rights protection, particularly as Nigeria continues to confront complex humanitarian and human rights challenges.