By Olusegun Olanrewaju
In commemoration of this year’s International Human Rights Day, the Agege/Alimosho chapter of the National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity) in Lagos State has embarked on a sensitisation programme for residents of the Ayobo-Ipaja Local Council Development Area (LCDA).
The programme was executed to sensitise local dwellers to the articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in commemoration of Y2024 Human Rights Day.
In an initial assessment during the sensitisation, less than 10 percent of the attendees alluded to understanding the basic concept of human rights during a survey.
However, at the end of the programme, 100 percent of the attendees understood the concept and affirmed that they would be able to discuss it with their neighbours and family members if the need arose.
The Supervisor of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Ayobo Ipaja LCDA, Mrs Adenike, representing the Chairman of the LCDA, commended NAS for its continuous support of the local community with programmes targeting youths, children and women.
She charged the attendees to pay attention to the lectures, ask questions when necessary, and take notes.
In his comment, the Capn of Hawkins Deck, Jude Alaneme, informed the gathering that the sensitisation programme was conceptualised in partnership with Aqua Kanata Deck, Canada, to ensure that rural dwellers understand the human rights concept – about family and individual relationships.
During his lecture, Lanre Adeoye highlighted the UDHR articles as they generally affect family life and humanity.
He stated that the UDHR applies to everyone regardless of race, religion, and culture.
He listed the following: Article 1. The inherent dignity and equal rights; Article 2. Freedom from discrimination; Article 3. Right to life, liberty, and security; and Article 4. Freedom from slavery and servitude, among 26 others.
Adeoye said national and state laws and constitutions embolden all the listed articles.
He encouraged the attendees to also do right and be responsible citizens of the country before seeking redress in case of rights abuse.
Also, another female lawyer, Chizoba Ohaji, connected the articles to family lives.
She also mentioned that without adherence to the UDHR articles, there would be chaos worldwide.
She said arbitrary killings, torture, unnecessary and unlawful detention will be the order of the day.
She invited the women in the audience to understand that denial of their husband’s sex is a denial of rights as this may be considered grounds for divorce if the woman does not have any tenable excuse for the denial.
For excellent coverage, the programme was delivered in Yoruba and Pidgin English.
Over 100 people attended, with everyone giving positive feedback and commending the efforts of NAS.
