By George Ozalla
The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Chief Tony Ojukwu, OFR, SAN, has received the 2026 UTA International Humanitarian Award for his contributions 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 in Abuja on Thursday, August 20, 2026, as part of activities marking World Humanitarian Day 2026.
According to a statement signed by the Director, Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, UTA recognised Ojukwu’s leadership and sustained efforts to advance human dignity, access to justice and the protection of vulnerable and marginalised persons.
The statement said the interventions highlighted by UTA included economic empowerment for victims of human rights violations, compensation and restorative support for victims, as well as transitional and restorative justice initiatives in the North-East.
It also cited the Commission’s efforts to improve access to justice for poor and marginalised persons, describing the initiatives as part of its victim-centred approach to human rights protection.
The approach, according to the statement, goes beyond documenting violations to pursuing accountability, remedies and restoration while helping affected persons rebuild their lives.
Under Ojukwu’s leadership, the NHRC has continued to strengthen its response to human rights violations linked to conflict, poverty, displacement and other forms of vulnerability, with emphasis on protecting the dignity, rights and long-term wellbeing of affected persons.
The award ceremony was attended by government officials, diplomats, humanitarian actors and other stakeholders involved in promoting human dignity and addressing humanitarian challenges.
The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, was represented by the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Hajiya Zubaida Abubakar Umar.
Also present were representatives of the Zamfara State Governor, including his Chief of Staff, Mouktar Mohammed Lugga; Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi; 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, Ojukwu described the award as a reminder of the importance of humanitarian service and its impact on ordinary Nigerians.
“As a humanitarian myself, this award has stimulated me to do more,” he said.
He said the recognition had further reinforced the need to place victims, dignity and justice at the centre of human rights protection as Nigeria continues to face complex humanitarian and human rights challenges.
