Food, Nutrition Are Human Rights, Says Rights Commission

The executive secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Tony Ojukwu, has described food security and nutrition as fundamental human rights, saying efforts to address hunger and family wellness are central to the protection of human dignity in Nigeria.

Ojukwu stated this in his remarks at the fourth annual seminar on zero hunger, free food palliative distribution, and empowerment organised by the Telemanyan Foundation, where he commended the foundation’s interventions in food security, nutrition, and women empowerment.

According to him, “Food and security are human rights issues,” noting that the welfare and security of the people remain the primary purpose of government. He said initiatives that address hunger, nutrition, and livelihoods directly align with the NHRC’s mandate to promote and protect human rights, especially for vulnerable groups such as women, children, and the elderly.

The NHRC boss said the collaboration between the Commission and Telemanyan Foundation reflects a shared commitment to restoring dignity and providing opportunities for survivors of human rights violations. He explained that empowerment programmes go beyond charity, describing them as tools for restoration, resilience, and renewed hope.

“This programme symbolises hope and sends a clear message that dignity is not lost and the future can be renewed,” Ojukwu said, adding that justice must be accompanied by opportunity and support.

Earlier, the chief executive officer of Thelema lion Foundation, Ngozi Madubuike, said the foundation’s Women Arise Symposium has empowered over 5,000 women across Nigeria through socio-economic empowerment, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, education, and healthcare initiatives.

Madubuike disclosed that 80 per cent of participants reported increased income and economic independence, while 90 per cent recorded improved confidence and self-esteem. She added that the foundation has partnered with more than 10 organisations to provide mentorship and training, awarded scholarships to over 50 vulnerable students, and conducted maternal care and medical outreaches reaching more than 2,000 women and children in rural communities.

She said the initiative was not only changing lives but also communities, as empowered women were supporting others, creating a ripple effect nationwide. Madubuike called for sustained collaboration to tackle poverty and inequality, which she said have worsened since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ojukwu reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to working with foundations, civil society organisations, and government agencies to advance the right to food and nutrition, advocate inclusive and gender-responsive policies, and support sustainable food systems in Nigeria.