Mandela Day: UNA-Nigeria Reiterates Call for Justice and Equity

The United Nations Association of Nigeria (UNA-Nigeria) has urged people, organizations, and leaders throughout the country to embrace the spirit of Nelson Mandela International Day by taking intentional actions to fight poverty and injustice in remembrance of one of the most revered human rights icons in the world.

Nelson Mandela’s birthday, July 18, is celebrated worldwide as a time to consider his timeless principles of justice, compassion, freedom, and dignity.

This year’s theme, “It’s Still in Our Hands to Combat Poverty and Inequity,” emphasized the pressing need for reinvigorated civic action in an era of widening global imbalances, according to UNA-Nigeria.

Therefore, UNA-Nigeria President Professor Oluremi Olutimo asked Nigerians to embrace Mandela’s legacy via meaningful action and go beyond ceremonial tributes.

“Nelson Mandela International Day is a clear call for all of us, as Nigerians and global citizens, to take responsibility for building a society grounded in fairness and empathy—it is not just a memorial of a great man,” Olutimo said.

Communities all around Nigeria struggle on a daily basis with enduring problems like youth unemployment, inadequate healthcare access, social isolation, and educational opportunity inequalities. UNA-Nigeria claims that Mandela’s life and values provide both a challenge to respond—not merely with admiration, but with brave action—and a ray of hope.

Professor Olutimo emphasized that the day should encourage a dedication to the most marginalized members of society, calling on people, private businesses, civil society organizations, and governmental organizations to embrace Mandela’s philosophy of justice and service. “We have to get past slogans and speeches. “It’s time to take deliberate action to improve the lives of those who are disadvantaged and infuse dignity into all facets of our society,” he declared.

The Association’s request is in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which UNA-Nigeria is still an advocate for. The SDGs tackle a wide range of issues, including promoting peace and inclusive societies (SDG16), increasing education (SDG4), and ending poverty (SDG1)—all of which are fundamental components of Mandela’s ongoing work.

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Drawing on Mandela’s statement that “it is not the fact that we have lived that counts in life,” Professor Olutimo stated, “each of us has a role to play in our neighborhoods, schools, markets, and offices.” It is the impact we have had on other people’s lives.

UNA-Nigeria urged for renewed grassroots initiatives, especially those that involve underprivileged groups and youth. “Youth civic participation and volunteerism are crucial. We learn from Mandela’s legacy that significant change starts from the very beginning,” Olutimo continued.

The Association feels that Mandela Day is a timely chance to ignite change through coordinated social action in light of Nigeria’s complex development demands. UNA-Nigeria promoted using the day as a springboard for community empowerment projects, educational programs, and policy-driven cooperation between local and national institutions rather than restricting its commemoration to ceremonial hoopla.

The head of UNA-Nigeria also urged all Nigerians to turn Mandela Day from a commemoration into a movement. “Let this day inspire a fresh dedication to humanity.” Let Nigeria become a shining example of justice and development. Because we still have it.

Olutimo emphasized that every Nigeria must follow the road of equity and dignity as the nations of the world commemorated Mandela Day 2025.