By Emaka Nwokocha
To Commemorate Nigeria’s 66th Independence, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Warri Human Rights Committee, on Thursday 1 October, 2026, hosted a large-scale human rights awareness walk in Warri, themed, “Protecting, Promoting And Preserving Fundamental Rights, Human Rights And People’s Rights.” The rights awareness walk aimed to educate local residents on their legal rights and offering free legal assistance to victims of human rights violations.
The Chairman of NBA, Warri Branch, Francis Chukwuma Okala, Esq., led the members of NBA Warri Branch, human rights activists, civil society organizations, media representatives, and police officers from the Area Command, “A” Division, and “B” Division to kick off the awareness walk at the Federal High Court, Warri. The procession marched through major commercial and residential areas—such as Warri-Sapele Road, Okere road, Okere Market, Okumagba Estate, and Ajamimogha Road—before circling back through Ajamimogha/Mabiaku link road to the starting venue.
Accompanied by background music, the human rights awareness walk educated the public on fundamental rights under the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria such as right to life, right to dignity of human person, right to personal liberty, right to fair hearing, right to freedom of expression at the press, right to peaceful assembly and association, right to freedom from discrimination, among other rights. The public was reminded to respect individual rights, as violating them carries legal consequences.
NBA Warri assured members of the public of free legal representation if their fundamental human rights are infringed upon, encouraging everyone to stand up for their rights. They were also instructed to lodge complaints of human rights abuses at the NBA Warri secretariat, situated at Eburu Junction, with the guarantee of pro bono legal representation to ensure complete legal redress.
Speaking to journalists, NBA Warri Human Rights Committee Chair, Jessica Ogechi Megbele, Esq., emphasised the committee’s pledge to safeguard fundamental rights through pro bono legal aid for victims of abuse to ensure complete legal redress. She described the rights awareness walk as a success, referencing an event at Okumagba Estate in which the human rights team defended a Keke driver’s rights by arresting DESTMA officials who had falsely accused him of traffic violations to solicit unlawful fees.
She added that the public resonated with the message and learned how NBA Warri offers free legal assistance to those whose rights are infringed upon. Megbele said that the human rights campaign will continue, highlighting that protecting civil rights is central to NBA Warri’s new leadership.
Also speaking, Okodaso Christiana Ogaga, Esq, facilitator for the Warri Chapter of NBA Women Forum and member of NBA Warri Human Rights Committee expressed satisfaction at the success of the human rights awareness walk. She stated that the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (As amended) inherently protects the fundamental rights required for human life and dignity.
She reaffirmed that the NBA Human Rights Committee remains fully dedicated to providing free legal support to anyone suffering from rights abuse, ensuring no one is denied constitutional protection.
Alternate chairman of NBA, Warri Human Rights Committee, Ikechukwu Ogbonna, Esq, noted that most Nigerians don’t know their rights, stressing that ignorance of the law is not an excuse.
“Ignorance of the law does not prevent its consequences,” he said. He added, “Realising this void, we decided to embark on the awareness walk to sensitise the public to know their rights.
“We further reminded the people that their rights end where someone else’s begin, so exercising their legal freedoms should never violate the rights of others.”
According to him, the campaign motivated the public to stand up for heir rights. He said, “Observing that many individuals suffer human rights abuses due to a lack of legal awareness, we publicly affirm that the NBA Warri Human Rights Committee provides free legal representation to defend anyone whose rights have been infringed upon.”
“Anyone facing human rights violations from individuals or government bodies can access free legal support at the NBA Secretariat at Eburu Junction, Warri, if they cannot afford a lawyer,” he reiterated. He added that providing pro bono support is a legal duty, and being aware of these services empowers ordinary citizens to fight injustice.