By Victor Itodo Abuh
The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) will mark its 20th anniversary on November 2, 2026, with a gala and anniversary lecture in Abuja to celebrate two decades of promoting human rights, civic engagement and democratic accountability in Nigeria.
Founded in 2006, CHRICED said it had spent the past 20 years advocating for marginalised communities, defending citizens’ rights and promoting public participation in governance.
In a press release signed on Friday by its Executive Director, Comrade Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, the organisation said the anniversary would also feature the unveiling of two publications: Annual Civics Manual for Nigerian Students, a guide to civic engagement and democratic participation, and Voices of Vigilance: CHRICED’s Public Interventions in a Defining Era, a collection of its press statements from January 2020 to September 2026.
The anniversary lecture, titled “Reclaiming Civic Space: The Rule of Law, Democratic Accountability, and the Future of Citizen Participation in Nigeria,” will address concerns over shrinking civic space, weakened institutions, and declining public trust in governance. The organisation said the lecture would be delivered by a distinguished national figure but did not disclose the speaker’s identity.
Another highlight of the celebration will be the formal unveiling of CHRICED Legacy House in Kano, a two-storey civic facility built with support from the MacArthur Foundation.
The facility has a digitally equipped 100-capacity civic hall, conference and training rooms, workstations, guest facilities and offices. According to CHRICED, it will serve as a regional centre for civic education, youth empowerment, community organising and policy dialogue across Northern Nigeria.
The organisation will also visit its partners from October 15 to November 2 to appreciate their contributions to its work over the years.
As it enters its next decade, CHRICED said it remained committed to empowering citizens, defending human rights, strengthening democratic institutions and promoting transparent and accountable governance.
