NHRC Makes Case Against Attacks On Media, Unveils 30th Anniversary Logo

Executive Secretary NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu (left) while unveiling the Commission’s 30th Anniversary Logo and the NHRC Director (Monitoring), Dr. Benedict Agu (right) looks on. Photo credit: OPTIMUM TIMES, 10/112025

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has condemned the various catalogues of attempts to muscle the media and expressed its commitment to henceforth monitor and document the dimensions of violations against Journalists.

The Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu SAN, who spoke while hosting media parley in commemoration of the 2025 International Day to End Impunity Against Journalists,  insisted that collective efforts must be made to confront what he described as “troubling realities facing our media community.”

The event coincided with the unveiling of the NHRC 30th Anniversary Logo, which Dr. Ojukwu explained aptly reflects the mission of the Commission.

According to the Executive Secretary while canvassing the need to protect media and Journalists, “The Commission strongly condemns any attempts aimed at shrinking the civic space, increasing wave of violence, intimidation, and arbitrary arrests targeting Journalists across the country.

” Attacks on journalists are attacks on our democracy and on the public right to know. The NHRC remains steadfast in its mission to protect the rights of media professionals and to ensure accountability for perpetrators of such violations.

Going forward, the Commission will intensify its efforts to monitor and document violations against journalists, while deepening collaboration with media organisations, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), civil society organizations, and international partners. Together, we aim to enhance safety awareness and establish rapid response mechanisms for the protection of journalists.”

He further explained that the parley is not just a celebration it is a call to action, adding that the the Commission recognizes the media as a powerful ally in the fight for human rights.

“Your voices shape public opinion, expose injustice, and amplify the stories that matter. We are here to listen, to engage, and to strengthen our partnership with you.

“As we look ahead to the next chapter of our journey, the Commission counts on your continued support to amplify the voices of the vulnerable and to hold government institutions accountable. You must resist the various attempts at shrinking the civic space in our country. Your voice is an inevitable foundation of our constitutional democracy”, he asserted.

The highpoint of the event include  a keynote lecture on “Media Literacy and Human Rights Reporting” Delivered by Dr. Soremekun Oluseyi and the formal unveiling of the NHRC 30th Anniversary Logo by the Commission’s Executive Secretary, Dr. Ojukwu SAN.