The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has announced plans to celebrate its 20th anniversary, marking two decades of advocacy for human rights, civic participation, democratic accountability and good governance in Nigeria.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, the organisation will host a gala and anniversary lecture on November 2, 2026, in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
In a statement issued to journalists in Abuja, the Executive Director of CHRICED, Comrade Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, said the milestone offered an opportunity to reflect on the organisation’s contributions to democratic development and renew its commitment to promoting citizens’ rights and accountable governance.
Founded in 2006, CHRICED emerged at a time when Nigeria was grappling with challenges including shrinking civic space, weak institutions, rising poverty and limited citizen participation in governance.
Over the past two decades, the organisation has worked with marginalised communities, amplifying their voices, defending their rights and advocating a democratic system that promotes dignity, justice and equal opportunities for all.
According to the statement, CHRICED’s activities have reached communities across Kano and Kaduna states, as well as Abuja’s indigenous communities and vulnerable children living on the streets.
The organisation said its work has focused on civic education, community empowerment, human rights advocacy and encouraging citizens to participate actively in democratic processes.
CHRICED to Host Anniversary Lecture on Civic Space
A major highlight of the anniversary will be a lecture titled “Reclaiming Civic Space: The Rule of Law, Democratic Accountability, and the Future of Citizen Participation in Nigeria.”
The lecture will be delivered by a distinguished national figure whose identity is expected to be announced by the organisers.
The event will address critical national issues, including restrictions on civic space, institutional weaknesses, growing intolerance and the need to rebuild public trust in governance.
The organisation said the lecture would also provide an opportunity to examine how the rule of law, democratic accountability and citizen participation could be strengthened in Nigeria.
Organisation to Unveil Two Publications
As part of the anniversary activities, CHRICED will unveil two publications aimed at promoting civic education and documenting its advocacy work.
The first, Action Civics Manual for Nigerian Students, is designed to provide practical guidance on civic engagement, democratic participation and youth advocacy.
The second publication, titled Voices of Vigilance: CHRICED’s Public Interventions in a Defining Era, is a compilation of the organisation’s press statements and public interventions from January 2020 to September 2026.
According to the statement, the publications reflect CHRICED’s commitment to civic enlightenment, public accountability and democratic education.
CHRICED to Unveil Legacy House in Kano
Another major feature of the anniversary celebration is the formal unveiling of the CHRICED Legacy House in Kano, a two-storey civic facility built with support from the MacArthur Foundation.
The facility is designed to strengthen civic engagement and expand opportunities for training, community organising and policy dialogue across Northern Nigeria.
Its facilities include a digitally equipped hall with a capacity of 100 people, conference and training rooms, workstations, guest facilities, offices and other supporting spaces.
CHRICED said the Legacy House would serve as a regional hub for civic education, youth empowerment, community mobilisation and democratic engagement.
The organisation expressed confidence that the facility would provide a platform for citizens, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to engage in discussions on governance, accountability and community development.
Thank-You Visits to Partners
As part of the anniversary programme, CHRICED will embark on a series of appreciation visits from October 15 to November 2, 2026.
The visits will provide an opportunity for the organisation to acknowledge partners whose support has contributed to its work and impact over the years.
Zikirullahi expressed appreciation to the organisation’s partners, donors, civil society organisations, community leaders, journalists and citizens for their contributions to advancing its mission.
He noted that their support and solidarity had played an important role in sustaining CHRICED’s advocacy and community engagement initiatives.
Renewed Commitment to Democratic Accountability
As it marks 20 years of operation, CHRICED said it remained committed to empowering citizens, defending human rights, strengthening democratic institutions and promoting transparent and accountable governance.
The organisation stressed that democracy could thrive when citizens were informed, actively engaged and able to hold public officials accountable.
It added that the anniversary was not merely a celebration of past achievements but also an opportunity to renew its commitment to building a society where governance is people-centred and citizens’ rights are protected.
CHRICED said it would continue to work with communities, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to strengthen democratic participation and ensure that governance in Nigeria responds to the needs and aspirations of the people.
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