NgEducators International Model United Nations (NgIMUN) Enugu 2024
NgIMUN’s STATEMENT AFTER COURTESY CALL TO THE NIGERIA’S SECRETARY OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE FEDERATION, HIS EXCELLENCY, SENATOR DR. GEORGE AKUME Amb. Dr. Tivlumun Innocent Ahure, the NgIMUN President led a high level team to pay a courtesy call on the Nigeria’s Secretary of the Federal Government (SGF), His Excellency, Senator Dr. George Akume in Abuja on 28th April, 2024. NgIMUN’s team and SGF George Akume had an open and frank discussion on a wide range of issues bordering on the successfully staging of the upcoming NgIMUN conference Enugu 2024 being executed under the educational diplomatic brand title of NgEducators with the backing of the International Human Rights Commission, Relief Fund Trust (IHRC RFT) in Special Consultative Status of the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations (UN – ECOSOC). It was a convivial atmosphere used for discussions as well as a luncheon. Ambassador Tivlumun Innocent Ahure, relayed greetings from the Host Governor of the NgIMUN Enugu 2024, His Excellency, Barr Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, Executive Governor of Enugu State to the SGF noting specifically the well wishes of the Enugu State Commissioner for Education, Prof Ndubueze Mbah for the SGF. The NgIMUN Enugu team informed the SGF that 2nd to 8th June, 2024 are the official dates of the event and stated that the NgIMUN event will be greatly enriched with the presence of the SGF emphasizing that the Host State wants to have a strong relationship with the office of the SGF for engagements in overriding government and public interest. His Excellency, Senator Dr George Akume thanked the team and stated that he looks forward to working closely with both the Enugu State Government and the NgIMUN body as they implement the event for sustaining of strategies for the development of education in developing countries. He carefully assessed the topics and said that the organizers have actually provided a comprehensive overview of the key issues, trends, and opportunities in education that could be explored on fostering dialogue, collaboration, and action towards sustainable educational developments. For their part, the NgIMUN team expressed appreciation for the opportunity to meet and discuss with the SGF issues pertaining to the UN simulation experience and education development to realize our shared aspiration for a better future for the education sector. The SGF accepted the invitation to participate in the sessions for the NgIMUN Enugu 2024 and warmly extended congratulations to Barr. Dr. Maureen Nomnor on the UN Special Consultative Status, Human Rights Commission appointment confered to her.
IHRC RFT Ordinary Session for African Countries at the NgIMUN Conference
The Director General Global of the International Human Rights Commission, Relief Fund Trust (IHRC RFT), H.E Dr. Tivlumun Innocent Ahure, will host the IHRC African Ordinary Session for IHRC Country Directors and African Country Delegations concurrently with the NgEducators International Model United Nations (NgIMUN) Conference in Enugu State, Nigeria from June 2nd to 8th, 2024. This assembly marks the midpoint review of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Africa amidst various crises, aiming for transformative actions by 2030. Despite the promises of the Agenda, development progress faces unprecedented challenges including climate disasters, conflicts, economic downturns, and lingering COVID-19 effects. The NgIMUN Conference in Nigeria, an initiative of the IHRC RFT, serves as a platform to reignite global momentum and foster solidarity in tackling these issues. In a ballot arrangement that picked out West Africa to select one of it’s Country Directors to serve as Secretary General of the IHRC RFT Africa Ordinary Session General Assembly, the IHRC RFT Country Director of the Republic of Benin, Ambassador Cedar Leopold Kpoizoun, will coordinate the session in the position of Secretary General. Regarding his pedigree, the appointment of Ambassador Cedar Leopold Kpoizoun of the Republic of Benin as the Secretary General underscores the commitment to addressing human rights violations and fostering peace in African countries. The session aims to pressure regional bodies like the African Union (AU) to strengthen human rights monitoring and avert further atrocities. The presence of H.E Amb. Dr. Mohammed Amin Khan, World Chairman of the IHRC RFT, at the Africa General Assembly reinforces the call for prioritizing civilian protection and adherence to International Humanitarian Law. With support from H.E Dr. Tivlumun Innocent Ahure, the session aims to adhere to international best practices. H.E Ambassador Sahid Amin Khan will deliver a keynote address as the Distinguished Guest of Honour for the occasion. Participants will gain insights into producing reports on multilateral issues, particularly on protecting civilians during conflicts. Co-chaired by Ambassador Emery Mberi Valentin of the Republic of Congo and Ambassador Jokem Quinivet Baneh of the Republic of Cameroon, the session seeks to empower delegates to advocate for the rights and safety of all Africans.
IHRC-Nigeria Condemns Nigeria Senate’s Undemocratic Suspension of Senator
A critical report exposing the dubious proceedings employed by the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has landed at the New York Head office of the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC), eliciting strong condemnation from H.E Dr. Tivlumun Innocent Ahure, the Director General Global of the Commission. The report highlights the irregularities surrounding the abrupt suspension of Senator Abdul Ningi for his allegations regarding the alleged N3.7 trillion padding into the 2024 budget. Signed by IHRC-Nigeria Country Director, Ambassador Abdullahi Bakoji Adamu, the report emphasizes the Senate’s disregard for due process and transparency in handling the matter. Ambassador Adamu criticized the Senate’s decision to silence dissenting voices, emphasizing that the suspension of Senator Ningi disregarded fundamental principles of freedom of expression and fairness. He emphasized the need for democratic institutions like the Senate to uphold transparency and accountability in governance matters, particularly concerning critical issues such as the national budget. “IHRC-Nigeria strongly condemns the Senate’s high-handedness, viewing it as a threat to citizens’ rights and democratic principles. Dr. Tivlumun Innocent Ahure reiterated IHRC’s commitment to safeguarding human rights against governmental abuses and called for the Senate to reconsider its decision on Senator Ningi’s suspension” “Furthermore, IHRC-Nigeria urged for a thorough investigation into the budget padding allegations, emphasizing the importance of upholding the rule of law. “Dr. Ahure emphasized that invoking the Freedom of Information Act (FOI) could shed light on the matter, urging citizens and civil society organizations to leverage this avenue for accountability.” “The IHRC Director General Global warned that failure to address the situation impartially could tarnish the government’s image internationally and undermine public trust in democratic institutions.” “In aligning with international human rights standards, IHRC-Nigeria invoked Articles 16 and 21 of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights (UDHR), affirming citizens’ rights to challenge governmental actions in court and participate in the democratic process” “IHRC-Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to truth and justice, regardless of whose interests may be affected, signaling its unwavering dedication to defending human rights and promoting democratic values in Nigeria” Adamu further revealed.
VISIT TO UNICEF REGIONAL OFFICE, ENUGU
With focus on how to achieve Education Development in developing Countries, a team led by Director General Global/Ambassador, International Human Rights Commission, Relief Fund Trust, H.E Dr. Tivlumun Innocent Ahure has continued to engage with relevant stakeholders to call for contributions in planning the International Model United Nations Conference. Prof. Ndubueze Mbah, the Enugu State Hon. Commissioner of Education recently accompanied the team on a visit to request for partnership with the Enugu State Regional UNICEF office, towards the successful holding of the upcoming NgEducators and International Human Rights Commission Model United Nations (NgIMUN) conference in Enugu State. As the discussions progressed, the team emphasized without any shadow of doubt, that education is very important and essential for human beings. The UNICEF office also extolled the NgIMUN secretariat set up at the Enugu State Ministry Education for designing the conference to achieve strategies for advocating that Education shapes humanbeings’ lives in positive ways and Education is a human right that should be bestowed on all human beings exclusively by reason of being human. The UNICEF office representatives said their work involves contributing in issues that are geared towards intellectual presentations to show that a strongrelationship exists between education and development as has been propounded by many theorists and researchers. The NgIMUN conference will raise the concern and confirm to world leaders that the establishment of education is a key index of development. he Enugu State Governor, His Excellency Barr Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah was commended for granting approval for Enugu State to serve as host of the NgIMUN conference. The Enugu State Ministry of Education was also commended for their dedication and immense contributions to the success of the NgIMUN conference. The meeting was attended by Nawal Yaghi, the Vice President of NgIMUN and Chief Fred Eze Chidozie, Director Situation Room of the International Human Rights Commission.
Enugu State Government to Host NgEducators International Model United Nations (NgIMUN) Conference
Enugu State Government has announced its plan to host the NgEducators International Model United Nations (NGIMUN) conference, a groundbreaking event aimed at prioritizing education, learning, and empowerment for young people. The conference, scheduled to take place from April 12th to 17th, 2024, will be held under the auspices of the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC), Relief Fund Trust. During a recent courtesy visit to the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, Dr. Tivlumun Innocent, President of NgIMUN and Lead Coordinator of IHRC, expressed the organization’s intention to hold the NgIMUN conference in Enugu State. The purpose of the conference is to create a platform where students can engage in smart learning, showcase their talents, and learn from their peers across the country. Dr. Ahure extended a formal invitation to Minister Mamman to declare the conference open on April 15th, 2024. The NgIMUN conference, which will be hosted by the Enugu State Governor, H.E Barr. Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, holds great significance in highlighting the role of education in promoting human rights. The event will be structured in a manner that resembles the United Nations General Assembly, ensuring substantive discussions on the topic of Quality Education and Training. One of the key objectives of the conference is to advocate for equal access to education, particularly in rural and marginalized communities, as a means of promoting social and economic equality. By fostering an environment of unrestricted learning, both formal and informal, the conference aims to address the barriers that hinder girls’ education and promote gender equality through scholarships, gender-sensitive curricula, and the dismantling of cultural norms that impede girls’ access to education. The NgIMUN Enugu 2024 conference provides a platform for stakeholders and investors in the field of education to collaborate and contribute to the implementation of long-term policies that enhance education standards. National and international delegations with expertise in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goal 4 will actively participate in the deliberations, providing valuable insights into the review of education policies. Minister Prof. Tahir Mamman expressed his commitment to participating in the conference, emphasizing the importance the Federal Ministry of Education places on grassroots education. He stated that establishing a strong foundation in basic education is essential for the development of any nation and commended the federal government for prioritizing this through innovative approaches. One of the highlights of the courtesy visit was the presentation of the Enugu State Smart Education Roadmap to the Minister of Education by Dr. Obima Muoh, the representative of the Enugu State Commissioner for Education. The delegation attending the courtesy visit included several executives from IHRC and NgEducators and representatives from the Enugu State government. Notable attendees included H.E Dr. Tivlumun Innocent Ahure, Global Director-General/Ambassador-at-Large of IHRC; Dr. Nawal Yaghi, Vice President of NgIMUN; Chief Fred Eze Chidozie, Secretariat Coordinator of NgIMUN; Chief Patrick Ochi, Administration Chief of NgIMUN & Permanent Secretary, Enugu State Ministry of Education;Dr. Obima Muoh, Hon. Commissioner of Education Enugu State Representative; and Amb. Kyenpia Gaya Best, Media Director/Chief of Human Rights News Agency for NgIMUN. The upcoming IHRC NgEducators IMUN conference in Enugu State promises to make a significant impact by advancing human rights through education in Nigeria. This event serves as a crucial step towards prioritizing education, fostering empowerment, and transforming the lives of young people
APPOINTMENT OF CHAIRMAN OF IHRC AFRICA INDIGENOUS RELIGIONS COMMITTEE
After an extensive search carried out by the African Region HQ Secretariat of the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) Relief Fund Trust, His Most Supreme Eminence (HMSE) of African Indigenous Religions, Dr. Sir. Valentine Ossai Sunday Akpati, Paramount Ruler of the Royal Traditional Priesthood Federation Kingdom, the Osele Uku of Ogumeland has been given appointment as the Chairman of the IHRC Africa Indigenous Religions Committee. This appointment has been confirmed by the Global Director General and Ambassador-at-Large of the IHRC RFT accredited under the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. The underpinning idea upon which the African Indigenous Religions Committee has been established is based on the collaborative and networking mandate entered into by the IHRC RFT Africa Region HQ Secretariat and a Civil Society Organization registered as the Indigenous Peoples Initiatives for Cultural Integration. The framework of the mandate officially empowers the IHRC’s African Indigenous Religions Committee to operate the Indigenous Order of Black Knights of Rasta Fari Emperor Haile Selassie with the purpose to create and foster a feeling of fraternity and fellowship among the various renowned promoters of interfaith peace and to promote a more generous and filial respect for the spiritual authority of the known religions in the world. Dr. Sir Valentine Akpati, is also granted status of the Grand Protector for the Realm charged to hold investiture event for the Indigenous Order of Black Africa Knights of Ras Fari Emperor Haile Selassie for bestowing tokens of respect for well-deserving citizens, to reward their services to the world in the fight for peace and reconciliation amongst religions and to recognize merit in the field of unity of the religions. The investiture of the Indigenous Order will be based on a constitution or statutes for the organization with a description of the origin of the order, its privileges and the degrees of its members as well as the reason for conferring the order and its form of the decorations. The term “order” is limited to the insignia which the members are entitled to wear. Amb. Dr. Tivlumun Innocent Ahure stressed in the release that Indigenous peoples have struggled to defend their rights throughout history. IHRC RFT is promoting the legitimacy of their claims which has become increasingly and widely recognized at the international level: Dr. Ahure said the UnitedNations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (2007) and the ILO Convention No.169on Indigenous and Tribal Peoples (1989) provide global frameworks for recognizing these rights,while other milestones such as the appointment of the United Nations Special Rapporteur for the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (2001) and the establishment of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (2000) and most recently the Paris Agreement,19 represent global recognition of the need for wider participation of indigenous peoples to ensure rights are realized. Several other organizations have developed their own policies and platforms to engage with indigenous peoples. And it is in thiscontext, the 2030 SDGs Agenda, under an overarching framework that promises to leave no-one behindprovides scope to go further by bringing indigenous peoples on board as partners in national plans to, first, ensure they are not left behind, and, second, to enable societies, and indigenous peoples themselves, to benefit from the unique contribution indigenous communities can make to the realization of the entire agenda. Realizing this potential depends on the way and extentgovernments and other private and public stakeholders work together with indigenous peoples, prioritize the protection of their rights, and bring them on board as valued partners in building the future we are all working towards.
IHRC HONOURS THE DISTINGUISHED CHIEF PETER GYAWU-KYEM WITH APPOINTMENT INTO THE COMMITTEE ON AFRICAN INDIGENOUS RELIGIONS AS SPECIAL MEMBER, PUBLIC RELATIONS DESK OFFICER AND REPRESENTATIVE FOR GHANA
A special release by Amb. Dr. Tivlumun Innocent Ahure, the Global Director General/Ambassador-at-Large and Administrator of the Africa Region HQ Secretariat of the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) Relief Fund Trust with Special UN Consultative Status has pointed out that it is pertaining to the objective of attaining mutual understanding and interreligious dialogue which constitute important dimensions of a culture of peace that the Africa Indigenous Religions Committee of the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) was established and mandated as it’s organ that concentrates on Interfaith Harmony and devises ways to promote harmony between all African peoples regardless of their faith. The release remarked that Chief Peter Gyawu-Kyem, Nii Osabu Baffour-Awuah Mpese 1, (Kingmaker/Mpese Royal Stool), King Kpowullenu Allohmadzi 1, Ghana Chief of Adjarra, Benin has been given appointment and accorded recognition by the IHRC RFT regarding the work of the IHRC Africa Indigenous Religions Committee. This appointment is for the respected Chief Peter Gyawu-Kyem to serve as member of the IHRC Committee of African Indigenous Religions and overseeing the Public Relations Desk for the Committee as well as special member representing Ghana. In a charge to the appointee, the Chairman of the IHRC African Indigenous Religions Committee, His Most Supreme Eminence Dr. Sir, Valentine Akpati, Traditional Representative of the Ogbe-Ogume Traditional Council, Protector of the Realm and Central Chancellery of the Knighthood of the Order of Emperor Haile Selassie urged the new member of the committee to put his doggedness into the work of the committee in recognition of the imperative need for dialogue among different faiths and religions to enhance mutual understanding, harmony and cooperation among African peoples. Dr. Akpati enjoined the entire members of IHRC and other international organizations to encourage his committee in their work to spread the message of interfaith harmony and goodwill in the world’s churches, mosques, synagogues, temples and other places of worship on a voluntary basis. In his appreciation of the honour on him, Chief Peter Gyawu-Kyem pointed out that the IHRC RFT Committee on African Indigenous Religions has to consciously plan the regular commemoration of the World Interfaith Harmony Week (WIHW), conceived by the United Nations to promote a culture of peace and nonviolence, first proposed by King Abdullah II of Jordan at the United Nations in 2010. This was quickly adopted by the UN General Assembly (resolution A/RES/65/5), declaring the first week of February each year as World Interfaith Harmony week, calling on governments, institutions and civil society to observe it with various programs and initiatives that would promote the aim of the WIHW objectives. Chief Peter Gyawu-Kyem said by the Grace of God, he will work with a total commitment to pursue a course that will benefit Africa by contributing efforts for commemorating the WIHW in Ghana in the month of February, 2024. “I will work very closely with the office of the Chairman of the African Indigenous Religions Committee of the IHRC Africa Region HQ to get the Ghana authorities to see that the holding of this commemoration is not only held by February 2024 but this will be in future held on a regular basis. This structure for the unity of religions focuses on the dreams and visions of the United Nations Interfaith and Harmony. One way that the IHRC plans to sustain the work of the committee is the establishment of an award for Interfaith Unity for Peace Revival and Reconciliation in Africa. The award is bestowed on personalities who stand against Religious Discriminations who are champions of interfaith dialogue and the fight against extremism. All persons appointed into this committee have been adjudged to possess personal and permanent commitment to the defence of interreligious and intercultural dialogue, tolerance and diversity.
KILLINGS ON THE PLATEAU IN NIGERIA
H.E Dr. Tivlumun Innocent Ahure, Global Director General/Ambassador-at-Large of the International Human Rights Commission, (IHRC) with UN ECOSOC accreditation has received an Inside Story on the killings in the last week of 2023 in Nigeria. The views of the report condemns in the strongest of terms the killings of over one hundred and sixty people in Plateau State of North Central, Nigeria. The IHRC Country Director for Nigeria, Amb. Abdullahi Adamu Bakoji pointed out that the recent attacks have been severally described as reprisals by some ‘aggrieved’ people. Don’t forget that the most fundamental of human rights and freedoms is the right to life. It is the mother of all rights; if it taken away from people every other right is gone. United Nations Human Rights Commission Article 3 states that: ”Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.” said Amb Abdullahi Adamu Bakoji. He concluded that “by this, human life is made sacred, and this right should not be violated without just cause”. IHRC believes that jungle justice is a negation of the rule of law and it has been observed that people resort to taking the law into their hands because of the failure of the authorities to take the appropriate action at the instance of the first act of aggression. Perpetrators of heinous crimes should always be apprehended timely to ensure that justice is done without unnecessary delays. It is therefore pertinent to emphasize that the Nigerian government should guard against the breakdown of law and order in the country by directing the security agencies to always harmonize their operations by sharing intelligence reports and work swiftly in a collaborative manner to immediately nib in the bud any potential security threats. IHRC advises security agencies to swing into action in order to fish out the perpetrators of the Plateau massacre and prosecute them accordingly without unnecessary delays. The security agencies should in addition, gather intelligence information and use it to prevent reprisal attacks that would further endanger the lives of innocent people. The IHRC will keep watch on this matter and all other cases of infringement of the people’s fundamental human rights. In this regard the Global Director General said his office will continue to follow events as they unfold regarding the struggle to ensure justice is done in respect to earlier reported deaths of the people killed at Tudun Biri, Igabi Local Government of Kaduna State (North West) Nigeria, as a result of the ‘accidental’ bombing of a Maulud celebration site.
IHRC Celebrates Afro Hair Culture And Beauty Festival 2023 Organized In Partnership With Photizo Life Foundation & European Cultural Centre, Nigeria
The Africa Hair Culture and Beauty Festival 2023 was held on Saturday December 02, 2023 at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja-Nigeria. The Festival is an Initiative that pays tribute to African Heritage annually. This event is a colourful and spectacular celebration of all things African particularly the Hair Culture and Contemporary Hair styles. A release by the IHRC Global Director General, H.E Dr. Tivlumun Innocent Ahure revealed that the festival is organized to promote solidarity among all Africans, and develop a cultural support network for African Cultural Hair Designs and the cultural integration of African Indigenous Arts and Crafts. As part of the occasion the organizers reviewed paper presentations by selected African experts on the challenges besetting the African countries. Thus, the 2023 event focused it’s discussions on the unity and togetherness of African peoples and the human rights issues of increased xenophobic attacks and police brutality in Africa. H.E Dr. Tivlumun Innocent Ahure, expressed that the Afro Hair Culture and Beauty Festival 2023 was successfully dedicated to the unity and healing of Africa in the face of adversity. The night witnessed a hair culture pageant, exhibition of arts and culture, world-class entertainment and live performances from African and Caribbean countries. In attendance for the event were traditional rulers from various African communities as well as government officials.
IHRC DEDICATED THE COMMEMORATION OF WORLD HUMAN RIGHTS DAY TO FIGHTING POVERTY
In several significant ways the UN Consultative Status International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) joined the United Nations (UN) and people all over the world to observe December 10, 2023 as World Human Rights Day. This is observed every year around the world as the date when the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. When people living in poverty talk about their lives, it becomes very clear how poverty is, in fact, a violation of human rights. Poverty is a global problem. According to the World Bank in 2015, over 700 million people were living on less than $1.90 a day. While that represents a milestone (in 1990, it was over one billion) that’s still way too many people. That number also includes extreme poverty that is defined by the UN as “a condition characterized by severe deprivation of basic human needs, including food, safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, health, shelter, education and information. It depends not only on income but also on access to services.” Taking measures to be a recognized voice of primary advocacy efforts on addressing extreme poverty from a human rights perspective, the office of Amb. Abdullahi Adamu Bakoji, the IHRC Country Director for Nigeria carried out a human-rights-based approach to gifting the poor people which is important advocacy for poverty alleviation. In the report to the IHRC Global Director, H.E Dr. Tivlumun Innocent Ahure at the IHRC Headquarters the IHRC Nigeria chapter officials gave indications of many areas they have been engaged in to willfully serve humanity with aid and support. The outreach programme have empowered widows who are an invisible part of society—ignored, rejected and, sometimes considered cursed, for being responsible for the cause of their husbands’ deaths. Amb. Abdullahi Adamu Bakoji, IHRC Country Director, Nigeria Beginning a day earlier, the IHRC Nigeria visited the Correctional facility (Prisons) in Kano to engage in charity and reformation counseling and on December 10, 2023, the team greatly impacted the Kano Children’s Home where there are millions of children who must fend for themselves: orphans, runaways or abandoned children. Alone and unprotected, these individuals face immense hardships. The report viewed the occasion of the World Human Rights Day as a day that should be dedicated to minister to these precious women and children in addition to the work of human rights diplomacy.