The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has sounded the alarm over Nigeria's escalating maternal and child mortality rates alongside persistent threats to democratic governance. The organization has responded with an ambitious five-year strategic plan spanning from 2026 to 2030 to confront these critical national issues head-on.
Comprehensive Five-Year Blueprint
During the official launch event held in Abuja, CHRICED's Executive Director, Ibrahim Zikirullahi, presented the detailed roadmap designed to strengthen democracy, protect human rights, and advance social justice throughout Nigeria. The comprehensive strategy identifies six primary focus areas that demand immediate attention and sustained effort.
The key pillars of the plan include environmental justice, protection of indigenous rights, maternal and child health improvement, digital empowerment initiatives, democratic accountability mechanisms, and electoral integrity enhancement. Zikirullahi emphasized that Nigeria's current situation requires more than mere discussion—it demands concrete, decisive action from all stakeholders.
Urgent National Challenges
Zikirullahi highlighted several pressing issues affecting the nation, including persistent insecurity, alarmingly high maternal and child mortality rates, and the growing misuse of digital platforms to suppress opposing voices. These interconnected problems, he noted, represent significant barriers to Nigeria's development and the well-being of its citizens.
The organization intends to collaborate directly with communities across Nigeria to implement practical solutions. Their approach includes mitigating climate-related threats, advocating for transparent government policies, protecting vulnerable indigenous populations, reducing preventable maternal and child deaths, promoting digital literacy, and supporting credible electoral processes.
A Declaration of Purpose
Describing the strategic plan as more than just a document, Zikirullahi characterized it as "a declaration of purpose, a roadmap for collective action, and a reflection of our shared determination to build a Nigeria where democracy truly serves every citizen."
He further elaborated that the blueprint represents "a living testament to our belief that governance must be accountable, inclusive, and rooted in the dignity of every human being." The launch event, which took place on November 24, 2025, marks the beginning of CHRICED's intensified campaign to address these fundamental challenges facing the nation.
The organization's commitment comes at a crucial time when Nigeria continues to grapple with multiple systemic issues that affect the most vulnerable segments of society. By addressing both health crises and governance deficiencies simultaneously, CHRICED aims to create sustainable improvements in the quality of life for all Nigerians.
