IHRC: DELSU host Human Rights, Crime Prevention, ASB Campaign
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IHRC: DELSU host Human Rights, Crime Prevention, ASB Campaign, Nigeria
It was another milestone achievement for the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) Foundation Switzerland, and the Delta State University, Abraka, (DELSU) as they collaborate in the two-day implementation of the Human Rights-Crime Prevention Education and Anti-Social Behavior Campaign. The Campaign designed for Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria is first implemented at the Delta State University Abraka with a flag-off ceremony on Tuesday 2nd and a sensitization workshop on Wednesday 3rd August 2022.
The Flag-off ceremony was well attended by the Special Monitoring Mission Officials of the International Human Rights Commission Nigeria, the Vice-Chancellor and Senior Principals of the Delta State University Abraka, alongside other stakeholders such as the Nigeria Police, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Religious and Traditional Leaders, Civil Society Organizations, and other Voluntary Security Agencies.
The DELSU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Andy Ogochukwu Egwunyenga in his address, reiterated the proposal of the International Human Rights Commission on April 2022, requesting the collaboration of the University in the implementation of the Project. “The management of the University did not hesitate to grant the request for a partnership because the objective of this campaign coheres strongly with the laudable vision of this administration to restore the integrity of this university as a citadel of teaching, research, and community service", he averred.
He maintained that the event being a collaborative effort of the International Human Rights Commission and the Delta State University, Abraka, is both auspicious and timely in light of the present wave of criminal activities among youths not only in the Abraka Community but also in the larger Nigerian environment in general.
The IHRC Secretary-General Prof. h.c. Rafal Marcin Wasik in his opening remarks said IHRC is a Transnational Intergovernmental Organization with headquarters in Zurich Switzerland established to deal with humanitarian aid, protection, and respect for human rights in the world. “IHRC is a member of the Migration and Home Affairs Department of the European Commission, the Executive Civil Service of the European Union", he added.
He explained that the conception of the Project was in recognition of the Doha Declaration of the United Nations Office on Drug and Crime (UNODC) adopted at the 13th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice.
“Let me appreciate the leadership of the Delta State University, Abraka Nigeria, headed by Prof. Andy Ogochukwu Egwunyenga for the collaboration and support; it is worthy to note that the Delta State University Abraka has taken the lead in this project implementation as the first hosting Tertiary Institution worldwide", he hinted.
More also, the Delta State Commissioner of Police CP Ari Mohammed Ali, represented by SP Ayameh Fabian during his keynote address, admonished the University on the need for increased awareness and sensitization on the subject to enable those who had been involved in crime or anti-social behaviors before their admission into the University to abstain from it and possibly deter others from participating in criminal activities.
He continued by urging parents and guardians to always keep a check on their children while in school. Crime management strategies like mounting closed circuit cameras in strategic locations, regular monitoring of activities, and the use of Anti-Cult Group were also recommended by the CP.
In the same way, CN John Tunde ESQ, the State Commander NDLEA Delta State Command in his presentation, emphasized illicit drugs, their effects, reduction strategies, and evidence-based control strategy for institutions of higher learning. He maintained that the Delta State University Abraka is expected to develop a comprehensive drug abuse prevention plan to reduce anti-social activities within the University environment, while drug-dependent persons should have access to counseling treatment and rehabilitation.
The Delta State Chairman, Police Community Relation Committee (PCRC), Comr. Oliver Eyefia in his keynote address applauded the project and urged the University to possibly sustain it by organizing it annually, stressing that extracurricular activities in the University engage youths' participation in volunteering activities which in turn can inspire and mentor them.
An Institutional Framework containing strategies for effective crime prevention produced by the International Human Rights Commission was presented to different stakeholders at the event.
Reported:
Elijah Vitus Euchendu
The National Coordinator IHRC SMM, Nigeria.
Editorial:
Fidelis Onakpoma
IHRC Editor-in-Chief for African Countries.