CYM Education Foundation has expressed hope in revamping human rights activism among student leaders by educating them on the right approach to activism and the full adoption of the Freedom of Information Act in advocating for students’ rights and pursuing justice in the nation.
This was the focus of the Human Rights Training for Student Leaders in SouthWest held on Friday in Osogbo,
The event hosted different Student union leaders from tertiary institutions across the South West.
According to the convener of the Program and head of CYM Education Foundation, Adebayo Anthony Kehinde, who was represented by Michael Sasere, the program is aimed at equipping the young leaders and students with the right information which will enable effective leadership and human rights activism within their campuses and beyond.
Speaking to newsmen, Investigative Journalist and Human Rights activist, Osinbajo Oluwatosin, who served as one of the key resource persons, decried the current state of human activism amongst the students, stating that most activism handled by student leaders are either self-centered or carried out improperly.
He called on the student leaders to leverage the right tools such as technology and relationships with the media to ensure that justice is duly followed.
He said, “You see, the way and manners through which they go through to get justice is very important. Someone like me, I make use of technology and I have a lot of relationships with our Nigerian Police Force, the Army, and other security agencies.
“That’s why I said they must all relate to the media very well.
“If anything is happening with your school, meet with your school authority first. If they don’t do anything, come to the media.”
Also speaking, Program Lead officer and resource person, Rukayat Adeleke highlighted how important the Freedom of Information Act can serve in ensuring open governance, accountability, and transparency, by giving people access to public information, and that knowledge of this could be utilized by the young leaders to pursue justice accurately.
She, however, noted that there are loopholes in the implementation of the Act, but highlighted the need for young leaders and others to address the situation, if properly equipped.
Some of the participants expressed satisfaction with the training, stating they are now more ready and informed to combat human rights abuses and wrong governance.
They appreciated the organizers of the workshop, describing it as highly impactful.
