CHRICED unveils 5-year strategy, targets climate justice, maternal health, others

By Editor

The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has said that it is prioritizing climate-related social policies, reducing maternal and child mortality, and tackling the escalating out-of-school children crisis over the next five years.

The organisation made this known weekend in Abuja during the media launch of its 2026-2030 Strategic Plan, “Making Democracy Work for All,” which outlines a renewed vision for justice, accountability, and inclusive governance in Nigeria.

The hybrid event drew development partners, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders, who engaged CHRICED officials on ensuring meaningful and impactful implementation of the ambitious five-year plan.

CHRICED’s Executive Director, Dr. Ibrahim Zikirullahi, described the unveiling of the plan as a moment of “reflection, renewal, and recommitment” to the organisation’s core mandate.

According to him, the strategic plan goes far beyond routine documentation; it represents a “declaration of purpose” and a roadmap for decisive action in a period marked by complex national challenges.

He noted that for nearly two decades, CHRICED has worked closely with marginalized communities, amplifying their voices, defending their rights, and strengthening civic participation.

Dr. Zikirullahi said that the new strategy builds on this legacy while responding to urgent realities such as climate change, insecurity, exclusion of indigenous peoples, and the rising toll of maternal and child mortality.

He equally identified the weaponization of digital technology, the shrinking civic space, and persistent electoral malpractice as major threats to Nigeria’s democratic stability.

“These issues require bold action and a renewed collective commitment to safeguard the nation’s future,” Dr. Zikirullahi said.

To tackle these challenges, he said the new strategic plan is anchored on six pillars: environmental justice, indigenous rights, maternal and child health, digital empowerment, democratic accountability, and electoral integrity.

He emphasized that environmental justice remains a survival imperative, while the protection of indigenous communities, especially Abuja’s original inhabitants, is vital for democratic legitimacy.

The CHRICED boss also extended gratitude to the MacArthur Foundation for supporting the development of the plan and acknowledged CHRICED’s Board, staff, and partners for their unwavering commitment.

Providing further insight, Mr. Oladayo Olaide said the strategic plan is structured around two core themes, Rights and Development, and Democracy and Accountability, with targeted goals and outcomes expected by 2030.

Olaide said that the plan complements national efforts to reduce maternal mortality, address climate vulnerabilities, and strengthen governance across federal and state levels.

The plan also incorporates risk and mitigation strategies, addressing political instability, insecurity, funding constraints, digital surveillance, and compliance issues with proactive countermeasures.

The Chairman of CHRICED’s Board, Prof. Momodu Kassim-Momodu, officially unveiling the document, assured that its content would be effectively implemented to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic system.