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CSO Storms NHRC Over Alleged Abuse of Nigerian Youths

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Joel Ajayi

In its determination to get justice for many Nigerian youths who suffered human rights abuse from two Chinese companies based in Kogi state, a non-governmental organization called Pan-Africa United Youth Developments Network has approached the National Human Right Commission NHRC to demand justice for the victims.

The justice, if achieved, will serve as a lesson to any employer of labour that has solace in human rights violation.

It will be recalled that the NGO, two weeks ago, stormed Public Complaint Commission to complain about alleged injustice and other irregularities visited on Nigerian youths, who were engaged as factory workers, by BN ceramics Nigeria Limited and West Africa ceramics in Kogi state.

Pan-Africa United Youth Developments Network, under the leadership of its President, Mr. Habib Muhammed, visited the Commission’s head office on Thursday in Abuja saying that, the organization will not rest until justice is properly served.

Habib expressed that the essence of coming to human right commission is to alert all the relevant stakeholders and authorities involved in allowing foreigners or foreign investors.

According to him, the essence of our coming to the commission is to alert all the relevant stakeholders and authorities, the Public Complaint Commission PCC, National Human Right Commission NHRC, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of labour and other relevant authorities involved in allowing foreigners and foreign investors.

“We are happy we are getting a result because, Complaint Commission welcomed us, Human Right Commission did the same thing, we are very pleased with what they are doing, they assured us of getting to the root of the matter so, I think there is light at the end of the tunnel.

When asked if there are further issues of human rights abuse at the companies since the complaint against those companies? He replied: “so far, so good, no report has reached us, even though there are changes, we have not acknowledged report of any abuse.”

Also, in his address, the President of Nigerian Youth Organization,  Hon. Abdulahi Abubarkar Wali, lamented the ill-treatment of young Nigerians in their own country and demand justice.

We are here just to present our issue to human rights based on the human right violation of Nigerians, received from those Chinese companies and we are pleased with the human rights commission’s response.

“What makes me happy about this is, we met the Director in charge of the unit and he assured us that they are going to meet top management of those companies to come to term with the employees to address the issue.

“We are not asking anything from them, but what we are asking for, is to address this issue because no Nigerian will do that for a Chinese in their country.

“We are getting a positive result because the chairman of the Public Complaint Commission has actually addressed his staff and are making preparation to go to those companies on an investigative mission. So also, all the relevant stakeholders we have actually cried to, have done the same thing.” He said.

In his remark, the Director of Economic-Socio and Cultural Right of National Human Right Commission, Mr. Musa Salihu while speaking after the meeting, thanked the organization and promised them that the commission will not spare any effort to ensure justice is done.

 “We have listened to their complaints and we asked them to put it in writing before we follow the normal procedure to get to the root of the matter, but we need to hear from the other side before the complaint will be determined finally, we shall submit their complaints to the Executive Secretary, NHRC, and I can assure you, he will act on it.”

However, what is happening in BN ceramics Nigeria Limited and West Africa ceramics is a drop of ocean of what is happening to many Nigerians across the country.

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Daughters of Dr. Charles Ononiwu, Chiamanda and Chiamaka, Launch Debut Books to Uplift Hearts Facing Life’s Struggles

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Joel Ajayi

At just 18 and 20 years old, Chiamanda and Chiamaka Ononiwu — daughters of renowned Nigerian surgeon Dr. Charles Ononiwu — have achieved a remarkable milestone with the release of their debut inspirational books, Do Not Be Afraid and Waterfalls.

Their literary journey began six years ago, during the height of the global COVID-19 pandemic. While the world was engulfed in fear and uncertainty, the then 13- and 15-year-old sisters turned inward, using writing as an outlet to process their emotions, express their faith, and reach out to others with messages of hope and resilience.

 What began as a quiet act of creativity blossomed into two powerful books that now serve as beacons of light for readers navigating life’s storms.

Eighteen-year-old Chiamanda Ononiwu is the author of Do Not Be Afraid. A passionate Electrical Engineering student , she is also a proud alumna of Intellichild TLC and Valedictorian of Great Blessings School, Class of 2022. 

In her book, she addresses the emotional challenges many young people face and draws from her personal faith to offer guidance and encouragement.

Her elder sister, Chiamaka Ononiwu, 20, is a final-year medical student at Babcock University in Nigeria. She penned Waterfalls, a heartfelt and deeply spiritual work she describes as divinely inspired. Chiamaka views her writing as a calling — a mission to uplift souls and bring hope to those struggling with life’s challenges.

“Personally, I would say it all started with the idea of inclusion, inspired by real human experiences,” Chiamaka shared. “We’ve had conversations with people who’ve gone through difficult situations — including issues and those stories helped shape what I write today.”

She added, “It’s all about encouraging people to face life with faith. We began this journey during a dark time in the world, and I felt called to create something that could offer comfort and hope — not just locally, but globally.”

The official book launch and signing ceremony took place on Wednesday in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, and was attended by family, friends, colleagues, and well-wishers. It was a celebration of creativity, faith, and youthful brilliance, as the sisters presented their work to an inspired audience.

Speaking at the event, Chiamaka emphasized the core message of her book: “Waterfalls reminds readers that God is always watching over His people. He doesn’t bring fear — He brings peace, hope, and love. I want readers to find comfort and assurance in that truth.”

For Chiamanda, her book is a message to young people who may feel overwhelmed by life’s pressures: “Do Not Be Afraid is especially for youth navigating difficult times. No matter how hard life gets, you can always find strength and direction in God’s word.”

Writing came naturally to both sisters. Chiamaka recalled, “Even as a child, I loved writing short stories for my siblings. When the opportunity came to publish, I knew it was time to share my message with a wider audience.”

Despite their demanding academic paths, both young women balanced their studies with writing through perseverance and faith.

Chiamanda and Chiamaka are united by a shared dream — to inspire people across the world with their writing.

Chiamaka expressed Further;  “Our biggest hope is that these books will reach people who need to know that God is real, that He’s always with them, and that through Him, anything is possible,” Chiamaka said.

With Do Not Be Afraid and Waterfalls, the Ononiwu sisters have not only created literary works — they’ve created lifelines. Their voices, grounded in faith and driven by purpose, remind readers everywhere that even in the darkest moments, God’s light never fades.

Their father, Dr. Charles Ononiwu — a distinguished surgeon and deeply devoted parent — also spoke at the event, sharing the journey from his perspective.

“For me, my number one priority has always been to care for children — not just medically, but also by encouraging them academically and in the basics of life,” he said.

He recounted a moving moment with Chiamanda, who approached him with the idea of sharing her story publicly to inspire others.

“She came to me and said she wanted to talk to her peers, to share how she had been comforted, and to help them see that everything would be okay,” he recalled. “As a father, my role was to guide her. I support both of them, help activate their strengths, and provide direction.”

Dr. Ononiwu made the decision to fund the publication of their books himself, believing in the power of their message.

“I told them, ‘You have something the world needs. You can make an impact in the lives of others,’” he said. “I believe every child has a gift. It is our responsibility as parents not to dismiss them, but to help them discover and nurture their talents.”

He encouraged all parents to support their children’s creative pursuits, noting, “Every person has something special inside them — no one is without talent. It’s just a matter of looking inward, discovering that gift, and sharing it with the world.”

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