NHRC pledges to leverage radio for Human Rights awareness and climate action

By Joy Baba-Yesufu

As Nigeria joins the global community to commemorate World Radio Day 2025, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has reaffirmed its commitment to utilizing radio as a powerful tool for human rights education and climate action.

In a statement marking World Radio Day, observed annually on February 13, the Executive Secretary (ES) of the NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu emphasized the indispensable role of radio in promoting human rights, fostering informed public discourse, and reaching marginalized communities across the country.

Dr. Ojukwu noted that this year’s theme, “Radio and Climate Change,” highlights the critical intersection between environmental sustainability and human rights stressing that climate change threatens fundamental rights such as the right to life, health, food, water, and shelter, particularly for vulnerable communities.

“The Commission recognizes that climate change is not just an environmental issue but a human rights issue. Rising temperatures, extreme weather conditions, and environmental degradation disproportionately impact the most vulnerable populations, including women, children, persons with disabilities, and rural dwellers.

” Radio, with its extensive reach, plays a vital role in educating the public, advocating for climate justice, and empowering communities to take meaningful action,” Dr. Ojukwu stated.

The ES further disclosed that the NHRC is working towards establishing a dedicated human rights radio station to enhance public awareness, provide real-time information on rights violations, and promote proactive engagement on human rights and climate-related issues.

He revealed that the Commission receives over two million complaints of human rights violations annually, attributing this increase to heightened awareness, a feat in which radio has played a significant role.

Reiterating the Commission’s dedication to collaborating with media professionals, civil society organizations, and government agencies, Dr. Ojukwu called for greater support for initiatives that leverage radio to promote human rights and climate action.

“We urge all stakeholders to support initiatives that harness the power of radio to raise awareness, promote dialogue, and drive action on both human rights and climate change,” he added.

He also urged media practitioners and policymakers to use radio for advocacy, policy influence, and grassroots mobilization in addressing human rights violations and climate challenges.

“As the world grapples with the realities of climate change, a human rights-based approach to environmental policies is crucial in ensuring justice and equity for all,” Ojukwu noted.

The NHRC boss emphasized that there are already several human rights-focused radio programs in Nigeria and encouraged more radio stations to launch similar initiatives.

“We encourage more radio stations to promote human rights awareness to help build a culture of respect for human dignity and justice in Nigeria,” he said.

Dr. Ojukwu reaffirmed that the Commission will remain steadfast in its mission to protect and promote human rights, leveraging radio as a medium for education, advocacy, and action towards a more just, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable society.