World Radio Day: NHRC Reaffirms Radio’s Role in Human Rights

As Nigeria joins the the rest of the world in commemorating World Radio Day 2025, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has reiterated its commitment to leveraging radio as a powerful medium for human rights education and awareness, while also recognising its critical role in addressing climate change and its impact on human rights.

The Executive Secretary of NHRC, Mr. Tony Ojukwu OFR, SAN, emphasised the significance of radio in his message marking World Radio Day, observed annually on February 13.

He noted that radio remains an essential platform for advancing human rights by reaching vast and diverse populations, particularly marginalised and rural communities, and fostering informed public discourse.

Mr. Ojukwu highlighted that this year’s theme, “Radio and Climate Change,” underscores the need to use radio to amplify critical conversations on environmental sustainability and its connection to human rights.

He warned that climate change poses a serious threat to fundamental rights, including the right to life, health, food, water, and shelter, particularly affecting vulnerable communities.

 “The Commission recognises that climate change is not just an environmental issue but a human rights issue. Rising temperatures, extreme weather conditions, and environmental degradation disproportionately affect the most vulnerable populations, including women, children, persons with disabilities, and those in rural areas. Radio, with its vast reach, plays a crucial role in educating the public, advocating for climate justice, and empowering communities to take meaningful action,” Mr. Ojukwu stated.

He further revealed that the NHRC is working towards establishing a professionally operated human rights radio station to enhance awareness, provide timely information on rights violations, and encourage proactive engagement on human rights and climate-related issues.

He noted that the Commission currently receives over two million complaints of human rights violations annually, a number driven by increased awareness—an effort in which radio has played a key role.

Mr. Ojukwu reaffirmed that the NHRC will continue collaborating with media professionals, civil society organisations, and government agencies to ensure that radio remains a catalyst for positive change and human rights advocacy.

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

The human rights advocate also called on media practitioners and policymakers to use radio as a tool for advocacy, policy influence, and grassroots mobilisation 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 added.

He reaffirmed the NHRC’s unwavering commitment to protecting and promoting human rights in Nigeria, using radio as a platform for education, advocacy, and action towards a more just, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable society.

Recognising the growing number of human rights-related radio programs, Mr. Ojukwu encouraged more radio stations to follow suit.

“We encourage more radio stations to do the same in order to build a culture of respect for human rights in Nigeria,” he concluded.