ABUJA, NIGERIA — Human rights protection must move beyond policy statements to tangible action at the grassroots if Africa is to achieve justice, peace, and sustainable development. This was the central message delivered by Ambassador Dr. Duru Chinenye Hezekiah, Ambassador at Large and Country Representative of the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) Corporation/INTERPOL Centre USA (ICA), Abuja, shortly after he was honoured with the 2026 African Game Changer Award and inducted into the prestigious 2026 100 African Game Changers Compendium.
The award, presented by Fresh Facts Magazine in collaboration with the African Network for Accountability (ANFA), Ghana, recognises exceptional Africans whose leadership, integrity, innovation, and commitment to humanity have transformed lives and strengthened institutions across the continent.
Receiving the honour, Ambassador Duru expressed profound gratitude, attributing the recognition entirely to divine grace.
“I wasn’t expecting this honestly. Thank you so much for recognising me. I believe it is only God who connects people to the right people at the right time and in the right place. What is happening today is transforming into a global mandate. Together, we will change the world and make it safer for the less privileged because whatever we do today is for generations to come.”
Human Rights Beyond Advocacy
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Fresh Facts Magazine, Ambassador Duru described the International Human Rights Commission as a global humanitarian institution committed to protecting human dignity through advocacy, peacebuilding, humanitarian diplomacy, mediation, and international cooperation.
According to him, the organisation operates as an independent transnational humanitarian body headquartered in Washington, D.C., United States, providing a neutral platform for governments, institutions, civil society organisations, and local communities to collaborate in advancing peace and protecting fundamental human rights.
“Our mission is to strengthen humanitarian response mechanisms, support anti-human trafficking initiatives, advance peace and mediation efforts, and safeguard fundamental human rights in accordance with international humanitarian law,” he explained.
He encouraged members of the public to learn more about the organisation through its official online platforms.
Africa’s Human Rights Challenge
Assessing the state of human rights across Africa, Ambassador Duru acknowledged that while human rights violations occur globally, the African continent continues to face unique governance and institutional challenges.
“There is a great deal of human rights abuse across Africa. It is not peculiar to Nigeria alone. In many places, constitutional provisions are ignored, the rule of law is undermined, and impunity often prevails. These are realities that continue to affect ordinary citizens.”
He noted that the organisation’s mandate is driven by the need to reverse these trends through advocacy, civic education, institutional engagement, and constructive collaboration with governments.
“We are working to change mindsets and encourage greater respect for the rule of law. With increased global digitalisation and stronger partnerships with international institutions, we believe Africa can build stronger systems that protect the rights and dignity of every citizen.”
Grassroots Intervention Remains the Priority
Ambassador Duru maintained that sustainable human rights protection must begin at the grassroots, where the majority of vulnerable citizens live.
“Any government policy or programme that does not impact the grassroots is incomplete. Our responsibility is to take the concerns of ordinary people directly to government while ensuring that communities themselves are empowered.”
He outlined several humanitarian interventions undertaken by the organisation, including food assistance to vulnerable families, support for internally displaced persons, educational scholarships, community empowerment initiatives, and extensive human rights awareness campaigns.
He also highlighted the Commission’s intervention within correctional facilities.
“We have visited prisons and facilitated justice for individuals who were unlawfully detained. We have intervened in numerous human rights cases to ensure that innocent people regain their freedom.”
According to him, the Commission has equally provided policy advice to government institutions on matters relating to insecurity, justice sector reforms, and human rights protection.
“We have consistently engaged government through policy recommendations on national security and governance issues because lasting peace can only be achieved when justice and human rights are respected.”
Standing With Victims
Delivering a message to victims of human rights violations, Ambassador Duru assured Nigerians that they are not alone.
“There is hardly a day we do not receive complaints from people whose rights have been violated. We intervene wherever human rights are involved.”
He explained that the Commission provides mediation, legal support, institutional engagement, and referrals where necessary.
“If we need to go to court, we go to court. If we need to accompany victims to law enforcement agencies, we do so. Whether it concerns unlawful detention, abuse of power, family-related rights, or any other legitimate human rights matter, we remain committed to protecting the vulnerable.”
Recognition for Outstanding Service
Earlier during the award presentation, the Publisher of Fresh Facts Magazine, Comr Monday Ojomah, described Ambassador Duru as one of Africa’s outstanding contemporary leaders whose career reflects excellence in diplomacy, banking, education, humanitarian service, and philanthropy.
Presenting the award, the Publisher noted that the 100 African Game Changers Compendium is published once every four years to preserve the stories of Africans whose achievements continue to inspire positive transformation across the continent.
The citation highlighted Ambassador Duru’s distinguished service as Ambassador at Large and Country Representative of the International Human Rights Commission, his over fifteen years of professional experience in Nigeria’s banking industry, his leadership as Chief Executive Officer of Fountain of Knowledge International Academy, and his extensive humanitarian and philanthropic interventions across several communities.
The organisers stated that his unwavering commitment to promoting peace, advancing human rights, supporting education, empowering vulnerable communities, and strengthening humanitarian diplomacy made him a deserving recipient of the 2026 African Game Changer Award.
A Call for Collective Responsibility
As Africa continues to confront challenges relating to insecurity, inequality, weak institutions, and social injustice, Ambassador Duru believes that governments, civil society organisations, the media, and citizens all have a shared responsibility to defend human dignity.
His message was clear: protecting human rights is not merely the responsibility of governments or international organisations; it is a collective duty that requires courage, compassion, accountability, and sustained commitment.
For Ambassador Dr. Duru Chinenye Hezekiah, the recognition as a 2026 African Game Changer is not merely an honour but a renewed call to continue championing justice, peace, and the protection of fundamental human rights for present and future generations across Africa.
