The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has unveiled its Legacy House in Kano as part of activities marking its 20th anniversary, with a renewed commitment to strengthening democracy, promoting human rights and expanding citizens’ participation in governance.
The facility was officially unveiled on Thursday in Kano, during the organisations anniversary celebration themed “Strengthening Voices, Deepening Democracy, Building the Future.”
Speaking at the ceremony, CHRICED Executive Director, Comrade Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, described the new facility as a symbol of the CHRICED’s 20-year journey of commitment, sacrifice, resilience and partnership in advancing democratic governance in Nigeria.
He said CHRICED began 20 years ago as a modest initiative founded on the conviction that democracy could only thrive when citizens were informed, empowered and able to participate meaningfully in public affairs.
According to him, the CHRICED has, over the years, worked to promote human rights, civic education, democratic governance and citizen participation despite various challenges.
Comrade Zikirullahi explained that the Legacy House was more than a physical structure, describing it as a permanent institution designed to support civic engagement, leadership development, policy dialogue and citizen empowerment, particularly in Northern Nigeria.
He recalled that CHRICED had earlier established the Professor Abubakar Momoh House in Abuja as its national headquarters and launched CHRICED Radio and Television to expand civic dialogue and amplify the voices of citizens.
He said the Kano facility represented another significant milestone in the organisation’s institutional development and its commitment to building sustainable structures that would continue serving future generations.
The executive director attributed the successful completion of the Legacy House to institutional support from the MacArthur Foundation between 2021 and 2025, noting that the partnership strengthened CHRICED’s capacity and enabled it to establish the permanent centre.
In recognition of the foundation’s contribution, he announced that the facility’s fully digitised training and convening hall had been named Professor John Palfrey Hall in honour of the foundation’s president.
He also disclosed that the community leadership of Farawa, through the Mai Unguwa, had facilitated the naming of the road leading to the facility as Kole Ahmed Shettima Street in recognition of the project’s contribution to the community and the wider Kumbotso Local Government Area.
Comrade Zikirullahi expressed appreciation to the people of Farawa, the Mai Unguwa, the District Head and the leadership of Kumbotso Local Government Area for the gesture.
He particularly acknowledged Dr. Kole Ahmed Shettima, Director of the Africa Office of the MacArthur Foundation, for his contributions to democratic development and the advancement of civil society in Nigeria.
The executive director also welcomed the Honourable Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’idu Ahmad, alongside traditional rulers, government officials, development partners, academics, civil society organizations and members of the media.
He commended Yoksa Engineering Construction Limited, led by Engr. Aliyu Yakubu, for its professionalism and commitment to delivering the project.
He said the construction company had translated CHRICED’s vision into a permanent facility that would serve as a centre for civic engagement, democratic participation and community empowerment.
Comrade Zikirullahi further acknowledged the contributions of development partners, including Misereor-KZE, the MacArthur Foundation, WeltFilme e.V., the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the British Council, Anti-Slavery International, the United States Embassy, the Australian High Commission, the Commonwealth Secretariat, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the European Union.
He also recognized the support of civil society organizations and partner institutions, including the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in promoting accountability and democratic governance.
The CHRICED executive director commended the media for its role in publicising issues of human rights, social justice, accountability and democratic development over the past two decades.
He said the organisation’s achievements would not have been possible without the contributions of its partners, staff, beneficiaries, volunteers and supporters.
Comrade Zikirullahi also appreciated his wife, Hajiya Binta, for her support, as well as the Kano State Commissioner of Police and the command for ensuring a peaceful ceremony.
He said the unveiling of the Legacy House marked the beginning of a new chapter for CHRICED, expressing optimism that the facility would strengthen citizens’ voices, deepen democratic participation and promote a society founded on justice, accountability and inclusion.
“The story of CHRICED is, above all, a story of hope. It is the story of ordinary citizens discovering the extraordinary power of their voices,” he said.
He added that the organization remained committed to ensuring that communities chose participation over silence and engagement over apathy.
The event formed part of CHRICED’s 20th anniversary activities, celebrating two decades of its contributions to human rights, civic education and democratic development in Nigeria.
