***Marks World Human Rights Day
As the world marks Human Rights Day today, the National Association of SeaDogs (NAS), Ondo and Ekiti States Chapter, El-Paso SSO Deck, joined the global celebration with a sensitization visit to the United Christ Apostolic Church high school, Aule Akure, to educate students on their fundamental human rights.
Led by the Zonal President of the association, Hon. Olaniyi Abiodun, the event featured a lecture on fundamental human rights delivered by Barrister Justina Akeredolu.
Addressing the students, the guest lecturer highlighted their rights as human beings, including the right to life, education, dignity, safety, shelter, and others.
She enlightened the students on how to enforce their rights appropriately when trampled upon by oppressors, urging them to speak up in cases of harassment or intimidation.
Akeredolu further advised the students not to enforce their fundamental human rights in a wrongful or disrespectful manner towards their parents or teachers, especially during disciplinary actions.
She informed them of the appropriate channels to report any violations of their fundamental human rights, such as the Police, the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, the Association of Female Lawyers, and other civil society organizations advocating for human rights.
The legal practitioner also urged them to avoid engaging in criminal acts that could jeopardize their dignity and future. She emphasized the importance of refraining from acts such as murder or suicide, which are violations of human rights, noting that no one has the right to take a human life.
Earlier, in his address, the Zonal President of NAS Ondo/Ekiti Chapter, Hon. Olaniyi Abiodun, an alumnus of the school, emphasized the need for individuals to contribute to the development of their alma maters.
He explained that NAS’s visits to institutions or groups always leave a lasting impact and announced that a tangible donation would be made to the school.
He also introduced monetary rewards of N10,000 for the best student from JSS 3 to SSS 1, N20,000 for the best student from SSS 1 to SSS 2, and N30,000 for the best student transitioning from SS2 to SS3.
The Zonal President assured the audience of his readiness to mobilize other influential alumni in government and private organizations to contribute to improving the school’s infrastructure.
Providing historical context about NAS which is also known as Pyrates Confraternity, the former Zonal President, Engr. Chuks Ejimofor, explained that the association was founded by seven students of the University of Ibadan to serve as a voice against tribalism and injustice, under the leadership of Prof. Wole Soyinka.
According to him, one of the association’s core objectives is humanitarianism. He noted that NAS has 64 decks globally, dedicated to supporting vulnerable groups and championing good causes for societal betterment.
He stressed the importance of educating people about their rights, which is why NAS participated in the World Human Rights Day activities. “This has also given us insight into the school’s needs, and I am very sure that we will return to leave our footprint,” he added.
He mentioned that to ensure the association maintains its integrity, undergraduates are not admitted as members. Intending members must present their first-degree certificates and NYSC discharge certificates.
Also speaking, the second Vice-President of the Ondo/Ekiti Deck, Mr. Eyitemi Onome Egbi, encouraged the students to reflect on the lecture, avoid trouble, assist one another, and focus on their academic goals.
“This conversation we had today is taking place across all chapters of NAS globally. It is a program that enriches the minds of individuals we interact with, as it sensitizes society and helps people understand their responsibilities and the government’s role in citizens’ lives,” he said.
He reiterated the El-Paso SSO Deck’s commitment to engaging students on topics that would help shape them into adults of integrity.
In her response, the Principal of the school, Mrs. Odumakinde, expressed her gratitude to NAS members for choosing U.C.A.C. for the program.
Represented by the Vice Principal (Administration), Mrs. Adeleye, she appealed for more advocacy programs in the school to enhance the students’ moral and academic development. She also requested support for improving the school’s infrastructure to foster better academic performance.
The theme of the day is “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now”.
