Abeokuta – In a milestone moment for human rights advocacy in Ogun State, Comrade Funmbi Onifade has been elected as the first female Chairman of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR).
The election took place at the organization’s 2024 Biennial Conference held in Abeokuta, the state capital.
Comrade Onifade, a seasoned human rights activist, pledged to lead the charge against corruption, gender inequality, and discrimination in all its forms.
The conference also featured a keynote address by Comrade Yinka Folarin, National Vice President of CDHR, who criticized the deplorable state of roads in the state and rising poverty levels. He called on members to hold the government accountable for its actions.
“We must stand in solidarity to fight our traders, to challenge corruption in government and defend the rights of Nigerians,” Comrade Folarin said.
The new executive committee, led by Comrade Onifade, promises to be a formidable force in the fight for human rights in Ogun State.
Comrade Funmbi Onifade, in her acceptance speech, challenged members to be prepared for robust engagements, capacity building workshops, human rights sensitization, and campaigns against corrupt practices.
He said: “We must fight against bad governance, gender issues, discrimination, violence, and discrimination against persons,”
“We must stand in solidarity to fight for our rights and the rights of others,”
The conference also featured award presentations to deserving units and individuals, including Comrade Sunday Sokunbi, Immediate Past Vice Chairman of the Branch.
Comrade Onifade emerged as the new Chairman, with Comrade Fabiyi Jamiu as Vice Chairman, Comrade Ali Adeshina as Secretary, Comrade Hammad Kazeem as Treasurer, and Comrade (Mrs) Salami Oladapo as Assistant Secretary.
The conference ended with a call to action, with members urged to be prepared to engage the government on the need to declare a state of emergency on the state’s roads, both federal and state.
“It is not time to sleep, we must all be awake to challenge them and put them on the track,” Comrade Folarin said.
