Fellow members of the Board of Directors; Representatives of the MISEREOR-KZE, MacArthur Foundation, the European Union, WeltFilme, Konrad Adenuer Stiftung, and the University of Abuja;
Our valued partners, community representatives and stakeholders;
Management, staff and volunteers;
Members of the media;
Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, dear friends of CHRICED:
What a pleasure it is to welcome you to this special occasion! On behalf of the Board of Directors, thank you for joining us as we celebrate twenty years of the Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education, CHRICED. Today, we celebrate not simply an anniversary, but a journey shared with many people in this room and many others whose contributions we remember with gratitude.
Looking back to our beginnings in 2006, we have good reason to be thankful. Over two decades, CHRICED has developed its work in civic education, community engagement and public dialogue. Along the way, it has gathered experience, forged relationships and learnt from the communities with whom it works. That journey has given us much to reflect on—and much to celebrate together.
Our story is about more than programmes and activities. It is also about people: the community members who share their experiences, the partners who bring knowledge and support, and the colleagues who keep the work moving. As we reflect on our growth and impact, these relationships deserve a place at the heart of the celebration. They remind us that the most meaningful lessons often emerge when we listen and learn together.
Twenty years is a milestone worth pausing for. It brings together those who helped lay the foundations and those who have joined along the way. It gives us space to recall the early hopes, appreciate the journey and carry its lessons into the future. Today, let us enjoy that moment: remembering with gratitude, celebrating with joy and looking ahead with thoughtful optimism.
Let me offer a particularly warm thank-you to our partners: the MacArthur Foundation, the European Union, WeltFilme, MISEREOR-KZE, German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), OSIWA, Anti-Slavery International (ASI), British Council, FCDO, Australian High Commission, Mambayya House, Kano, ANEEJ, and the University of Abuja. We are delighted to acknowledge you on this anniversary. We value your partnership and the knowledge, experience and support you bring. Please accept the sincere appreciation of the Board and the entire CHRICED family.
To our community partners, civil society colleagues, public and educational institutions, media representatives and all our stakeholders: thank you for being part of this journey. To the communities with whom we work, thank you for welcoming engagement and sharing your perspectives. This celebration would be incomplete without recognising your place in our story. We are pleased to share this occasion with you.
We also remember with appreciation our founders, our founding Chairman of the Board of Directors Prof. Abubakar Momoh of blessed memory who left us too soon but whose vision and doggedness still guides our right steps, our extraordinarily effective Executive Director Comrade Zikirullahi Ibrahim, former and serving Board members, management, staff and volunteers. Thank you for the time and effort you have contributed over the years. To our anniversary organising team, thank you for bringing us together today. Behind every gathering like this are many practical tasks, and we warmly acknowledge all who have helped prepare this celebration.
Friends, this anniversary belongs to everyone who has shared in CHRICED’s journey. I hope today offers opportunities to renew old friendships, make new connections and exchange memories. As we enjoy the programme, let us also listen to one another and take away ideas that will enrich the organisation’s next chapter. Above all, let us make time to say a heartfelt thank-you to one another.
Welcome once again and thank you for celebrating with us. Here’s to twenty years of shared experience, valued partnerships and learning together—and to the years ahead.
Happy twentieth anniversary, CHRICED! I wish us all a joyful and memorable celebration.
