Members of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), Kwara State Chapter, on Thursday, joined other civil society groups and labour unions to mark the 2025 Nelson Mandela International Day at the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS), Ilorin.
The event, held in honour of the late South African anti-apartheid icon and former President, Nelson Mandela was hosted by MINILS and featured keynote addresses and goodwill messages from key figures across the labour and human rights movement.
In his keynote address, the Director-General of MINILS, Comrade Issa Aremu, paid glowing tribute to Mandela’s legacy, describing him as a symbol of resistance, peace, and people-oriented leadership.
He recalled the harsh conditions under which the anti-apartheid struggle was fought in South Africa, stating that the global recognition of Mandela through a United Nations-designated international day was a victory for all Africans.
Comrade Aremu urged participants to draw inspiration from Mandela’s enduring values of justice, dialogue, and reconciliation, adding that “true leadership is measured by sacrifice and commitment to people’s welfare.”
Other speakers at the event included the Kwara State Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade AbdulRahman Olayinka Onikijipa, who emphasized the need for trade unions to promote social justice and uphold the legacy of leaders like Mandela.
Representing CDHR, the Kwara State Chairman, Comrade Afolabi Lukman, praised the MINILS leadership for keeping the spirit of Mandela alive through annual commemorations.
He called on union leaders and staff to embrace peace and constructive dialogue with the reappointed Director-General, urging them to “set aside past differences in the interest of institutional progress and unity.”
Also speaking, the Vice Chairman of CDHR in the state, Dr. Kunle Adebowale, reiterated the organisation’s commitment to human rights advocacy, especially in labour relations and workplace justice.
He lauded Mandela’s commitment to equity and urged stakeholders to emulate such values in governance and civil society.
The event also featured participation from students, representatives of People Living with Disabilities (PWDs), and civil society organisations, who added colour to the commemoration through solidarity messages and performances.
CDHR members present at the event included Comrade Afolabi Lukman (Chairman), Dr. Kunle Adebowale (Vice Chairman), Comrade Rueben Olatunde (Secretary), Comrade Idris Saka (former National Vice President), Comrade Tijani Azeez, Comrade Olasunkanmi Iwaloye, Dr. Babatunde Sanusi, Comrade Dare Yusuf, Mrs. Mujidat Okankan, and Mrs. Kemi Omiyale.
Nelson Mandela International Day is observed globally on July 18 every year, the birthdate of the late South African statesman, to inspire individuals to take action and help change the world for the better.
