By Usman Usman Garba
The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has announced plans to celebrate its 20th anniversary, marking two decades of advocacy for human rights, civic participation and democratic accountability in Nigeria.
Founded in 2006, the organisation said it had spent the past 20 years amplifying the voices of marginalised communities, promoting citizens’ rights and advocating for transparent and accountable governance.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, CHRICED said its work had covered communities in Kano, Kaduna, the Federal Capital Territory and other parts of the country, with a focus on civic education, community empowerment and democratic participation.
As part of the anniversary activities, the organisation will hold a gala and anniversary lecture in Abuja on November 2, 2026.
The lecture, titled “Reclaiming Civic Space: The Rule of Law, Democratic Accountability, and the Future of Citizen Participation in Nigeria,” will address concerns surrounding civic space, institutional effectiveness, public trust and citizens’ participation in governance.
CHRICED will also unveil two publications: Action Civics Manual for Nigerian Students, a guide to civic engagement and democratic participation, and Voices of Vigilance: CHRICED’s Public Interventions in a Defining Era, a compilation of the organisation’s press statements from January 2020 to September 2026.
Another major highlight will be the formal unveiling of the CHRICED Legacy House in Kano, a two-storey facility constructed with support from the MacArthur Foundation.
According to the organisation, the facility includes a digitally equipped civic hall with a capacity of 100 people, conference and training rooms, workstations, guest facilities and offices.
The centre is expected to serve as a regional hub for civic education, youth empowerment, community organising, policy dialogue and democratic engagement across Northern Nigeria.
CHRICED also announced plans to visit its partners between October 15 and November 2 to appreciate their contributions to the organisation’s activities over the years.
The organisation expressed gratitude to its donors, civil society groups, community leaders, journalists and other supporters for helping advance its mission.
Reaffirming its commitment to democratic development, CHRICED said it would continue to promote citizens’ rights, strengthen public institutions and advocate for transparent, accountable and people-centred governance.
The organisation described the anniversary not merely as a celebration of its achievements but also as a renewed call for citizens to play an active role in strengthening democracy.