The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has unveiled a permanent facility in Kano as part of activities marking its 20th anniversary and efforts to strengthen civic engagement, democratic governance and citizen participation in Northern Nigeria.
The facility, known as CHRICED Legacy House, was officially unveiled on Thursday at Farawa in Kumbotso Local Government Area of Kano State by the organisation’s Executive Director, Comrade Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi.
Speaking at the ceremony, Zikirullahi said the centre represented two decades of institutional growth, partnerships and efforts to promote human rights, civic education and democratic accountability in Nigeria.
He said CHRICED was established 20 years ago with limited resources but a commitment to ensuring that citizens understood their rights and participated meaningfully in public affairs.
“Twenty years ago, CHRICED began as a modest idea founded on a simple conviction: that democracy flourishes when citizens are informed, empowered, and able to participate meaningfully in public life,” he said.
According to him, the organisation had expanded its operations over the years through the establishment of Professor Abubakar Momoh House in Abuja as its national headquarters and the launch of CHRICED Radio and Television to promote civic dialogue and amplify citizens’ voices.
He described the Kano facility as more than a physical structure, saying it would serve as a centre for civic engagement, leadership development, policy dialogue and citizen empowerment.
Zikirullahi said the project received institutional support from the MacArthur Foundation between 2021 and 2025, which helped the organisation establish a permanent centre for its activities in Northern Nigeria.
He disclosed that CHRICED had named the facility’s fully digitised training and convening hall Professor John Palfrey Hall in honour of the president of the MacArthur Foundation.
The executive director also said the Farawa community facilitated the naming of the road on which the facility stands as Kole Ahmed Shettima Street in recognition of the project’s contribution to the area.
He thanked the community leadership, including the Mai Unguwa of Farawa, the district head and the Kumbotso Local Government leadership, for the gesture.
Zikirullahi acknowledged the contributions of development partners, including the MacArthur Foundation, Misereor-KZE, the British Council, the European Union, the United Nations Development Programme and other institutions that had supported the organisation over the years.
He particularly commended Yoksa Engineering Construction Limited and its team, led by Engineer Aliyu Yakubu, for their role in constructing the facility.
The event formed part of CHRICED’s 20th anniversary celebration, themed “Strengthening Voices, Deepening Democracy, Building the Future.”
Zikirullahi said the anniversary provided an opportunity to reflect on the organisation’s achievements and renew its commitment to democratic development, accountability and inclusion.
“We believe that institutions built on integrity, service, and shared values can outlive individuals and continue serving society for generations,” he said.
He added that the unveiling marked a new chapter for the organisation, with a renewed focus on strengthening citizen participation and building democratic institutions.
