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| Professor Oluremi Olutimo, President of UNA-Nigeria |
In a powerful tribute to one of the world’s the iconic human rights figure, the United Nations Association of Nigeria (UNA-Nigeria) urging citizens, institutions, and leaders to take deliberate action to address poverty and inequity across the country.
Observed globally on July 18 to mark the birthday of Nelson Mandela, the day serves as a moment of reflection on Mandela’s enduring values—freedom, dignity, justice, and compassion.
According to UNA-Nigeria, this year, the theme “It is Still in Our Hands to Combat Poverty and Inequity” highlighted the urgent need for renewed civic action in a time of deepening global disparities.
Professor Oluremi Olutimo, President of UNA-Nigeria, therefore urged Nigerians to transcend ceremonial tributes and embrace Mandela’s legacy through impactful action.
“Nelson Mandela International Day is not simply a memorial of a great man—it is a clarion call for all of us, as Nigerians and global citizens, to take responsibility for building a society grounded in fairness and empathy,” Olutimo stated.
Across Nigeria, communities grapple daily with persistent issues such as youth unemployment, poor access to healthcare, social exclusion, and gaps in educational opportunity. According to UNA-Nigeria, Mandela’s life and principles offer both a beacon of hope and a challenge to respond—not just with admiration but with courageous action.
Professor Olutimo emphasised that the day should inspire a commitment to the most vulnerable in society, urging individuals, civil society organisations, private enterprises, and government agencies to adopt Mandela’s approach to service and justice. “We must move past speeches and slogans. It is time to act intentionally, to uplift those left behind and breathe dignity into every corner of our society,” he said.
The Association’s appeal aligns closely with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations, which UNA-Nigeria continues to champion. The SDGs address a broad range of challenges from eradicating poverty (SDG1) and improving education (SDG4) to fostering peace and inclusive societies (SDG16)—all core tenets of Mandela’s enduring mission.
“In our neighborhoods, schools, markets, and offices, we each have a role to play,” said Professor Olutimo, invoking Mandela’s words: “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others.”
UNA-Nigeria called for reinvigorated grassroots efforts, particularly those that engage young people and marginalized communities. “Youth volunteerism and civic engagement are essential. Mandela’s legacy teaches us that profound transformation begins from the ground up,” Olutimo added.
With Nigeria’s multifaceted development needs, the Association believes Mandela Day offers a timely opportunity to spark change through unified social action. Rather than limiting the day’s observance to ceremonial fanfare, UNA-Nigeria advocated for it to become a launchpad for community empowerment campaigns, educational initiatives, and policy-driven collaboration between local and national institutions.
The UNA-Nigeria boss further appealed to all Nigerians to transform Mandela Day from memory into movement. “Let this day ignite a renewed commitment to humanity. Let Nigeria rise as a beacon of justice and progress. For it is still in our hands.”
As the the countries of the world celebrated Mandela Day 2025, Olutimo underscored the need for every Nigeria to walk on the path of equity and dignity.
