HURIWA inducts Ugwuanyi into national human rights hall of fame

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has inducted Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, into its national human rights hall of fame.

It noted that achievements of his administration in promoting human rights, implementing programmes and policies that improve the living standard of the people, particularly in manpower, youth development and healthcare as the reasons for the decision to recognise him for elevation of human rights, saying it was the first time any politician would be so recognised in the country.

In a statement issued yesterday in Abuja by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, the group highlighted that the governor signed the Child Rights Act into law and established Family Courts and the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) of Enugu State, saying these were eloquent testimonies to the governor’s achievements in the state, especially in the sector.

“Enugu State is among the few states in Nigeria that has a woman as Deputy Governor. This is something very unique, as it has not happened before since the creation of Enugu State in 1991.”

“More so, a woman, under Ugwuanyi’s administration, was appointed as the Chief Judge (CJ) of the state, among other positions considered for women,” the statement reads.

HURIWA also celebrated Ugwuanyi for the sustenance and strengthening of the Citizens Rights and Mediation Centre and the TAMAR Sexual Assault Referral Centre (TAMAR-SARC), which led to the establishment of a centre to take care of victims of sexual and domestic violence and other related offences known as Oasis of Hope for the Needy.

Continuing, HURIWA noted that the state government’s decision to extend development to rural areas where the majority and less vocal Enugu citizens reside was a clear demonstration of Ugwuayi’s style of governance.

“By that, he has achieved more than those who concentrated infrastructure in the city centre where the vocal minority easily notice and acknowledge their achievements.

“When carefully put in proper perspective, Ugwuanyi’s administration has transformed rural areas in Enugu State into semi-urban settlements where access to good road network and other basic necessities of life are no longer an issue.

“In the area of healthcare delivery and safety, he has rehabilitated and upgraded all primary healthcare facilities and built new well equipped Type Three Health Centres in seven councils of the state, among others,” the group added.