On Mandela Day, UNA-Nigeria Urges Action Towards Equity and Justice

In a heartfelt homage to one of the most admired human rights figures in the world, the United Nations Association of Nigeria (UNA-Nigeria) has urged people, organizations, and leaders nationwide to embrace the spirit of Nelson Mandela International Day by proactively addressing poverty and inequality.

On July 18, people throughout the world commemorate Nelson Mandela’s birthday and take a minute to consider his timeless principles of justice, compassion, freedom, and dignity.

In a time when global gaps are widening, UNA-Nigeria says this year’s theme, “It’s Still in Our Hands to Combat Poverty and Inequity,” emphasized the critical need for fresh civic action.

Consequently, UNA-Nigeria President Professor Oluremi Olutimo called on Nigerians to embrace Mandela’s legacy by taking meaningful action rather than only paying respects.

Olutimo said, “Nelson Mandela International Day is not just a celebration of a great man—it is a clear call for all of us, as Nigerians and citizens of the world, to take responsibility for creating a society based on justice and empathy.”

Persistent problems including youth unemployment, inadequate access to healthcare, social marginalization, and gaps in educational opportunity are problems that communities in Nigeria face every day. Mandela’s life and values, according to UNA-Nigeria, provide both a challenge to respond—not merely with admiration, but with brave action—and a ray of hope.

“The day should inspire a commitment to the most vulnerable in society,” Professor Olutimo emphasized, calling on individuals, civil society organizations, private businesses, and government agencies to embrace Mandela’s philosophy of justice and service. “We have to get over speeches and catchphrases. He declared, “It is time to take deliberate action to improve the lives of those who are disadvantaged and to infuse dignity into every aspect of our society.”

Read Also: Zambia Coach Reacts to Crushing Loss: ‘Nigeria Played Better Football’

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which UNA-Nigeria continues to support, are strongly aligned with the Association’s message. The SDGs include a wide range of issues, from promoting peace and inclusive societies (SDG 16) to eliminating poverty (SDG 1) and enhancing education (SDG 4). These goals are all fundamental to Mandela’s ongoing mission.

“Everyone has a part to play in our communities, schools, marketplaces, and workplaces,” Professor Olutimo stated, quoting Nelson Mandela: “The fact that we have lived is not what matters in life. It is what we have done to improve other people’s lives.

UNA-Nigeria urged renewed grassroots initiatives, especially those that involve youth and underserved communities. Civic involvement and youth volunteerism are crucial. According to Mandela’s legacy, “deep change starts at the very beginning,” Olutimo continued.

Given Nigeria’s complex development requirements, the Association thinks Mandela Day presents a timely chance to ignite change by coordinated social action. Instead of restricting the day’s celebration to ceremonial grandeur, UNA-Nigeria promoted its use as a springboard for educational programs, community empowerment campaigns, and policy-driven cooperation between national and local organizations.

To turn Mandela Day from a memory into a movement, the UNA-Nigeria chief also urged all Nigerians. “Let this day inspire a fresh dedication to others. Let Nigeria become a shining example of progress and justice. We still hold it in our hands.

As nations throughout the world commemorated Mandela Day 2025, Olutimo emphasized the need of every Nigerian following the road of dignity and equity.