Bishop Evans Onyemara Honoured with the 2025 Voice of Change Award for Courageous Leadership in Abuja

Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN) Celebrates Historic Recognition in Abuja

Abuja, Nigeria – October 11, 2025 — The Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN) proudly announces the recognition of its General Secretary, The Rt. Rev. Evans Onyemara, PhD, JP, who received the prestigious Active Bystander Leadership – Voice of Change Award from the Dorothy Njemanze Foundation (DNF). The honour was conferred during the Active Bystanders Award Presentation held at Exclusive Serene Hotel, Wuye, Abuja.

This award highlights Rt. Rev. Dr. Onyemara’s faith-driven leadership, unwavering courage, and distinguished advocacy against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in Nigeria. It positions the Christian Council of Nigeria at the forefront of national efforts to promote justice, human dignity, and community protection.

A Landmark Moment for Faith-Based Human Rights Advocacy

In a gathering that drew Christian leaders, Islamic leaders, traditional rulers, development partners, and human rights advocates, Bishop Onyemara was celebrated as a transformative voice who consistently challenges silence, injustice, and harmful socio-cultural norms.

His leadership within the Christian Council of Nigeria has strengthened multi-faith collaborations, promoted community awareness, and mobilized congregations nationwide to become Active Bystanders in the fight against SGBV.

Welcome Address and Goodwill Messages Set the Tone

Delivering the Welcome Address, Dorothy Njemanze, Executive Director of DNF, applauded Rev. Onyemara for championing gender justice within Christian communities. She emphasized the importance of faith institutions in confronting violence and protecting vulnerable groups.

A strong message of support was delivered by Dr. Chichi Aniagolu, Regional Director, Ford Foundation, who appreciated CCN’s leadership role in advancing gender equity and community safety.

Goodwill speeches were also presented by:

• Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) representative
• Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) representative
• Onah of Abaji
• Etsu Nupe
• Emir of Minna
• Chun Mada of Akwanga
• Emir of Lafia
• Federal Ministry of Justice officials

These messages underscored the importance of faith-based partnerships in strengthening Nigeria’s response to SGBV.

Launch of the Joint Declaration on Ending SGBV

One of the major highlights of the event was the Launch and Presentation of the Joint Declaration, unveiled by Dorothy Njemanze.
This landmark document provides a strategic framework for collaboration between:

• Faith leaders
• Traditional rulers
• Government agencies
• Civil society partners

The declaration commits institutions to practical steps in prevention, survivor support, accountability, and community education.

Keynote: Mobilizing Faith and Tradition for Human Rights

The inspiring keynote speech titled “From Belief to Action: Strengthening Human Rights Systems Through Faith and Tradition” was delivered by Kemi Okenyondo, Founder of Partners West Africa – Nigeria (PWAN).

She emphasized the power of religious teachings, traditional values, and moral authority to transform societal attitudes and reinforce justice systems.

A documentary session titled “Real Men” followed, sparking profound reflections from attending leaders on the urgent need for action.

Distinguished Dignitaries in Attendance

The event brought together prominent national figures, including:

• Dr. Chichi Aniagolu-Okoye, Regional Director, Ford Foundation
• HRH Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, Etsu Nupe, Chairman Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers
• HRH Alh. (Dr.) Adamu Baba Yunusa, Onah of Abaji, Chairman Council of Chiefs FCT Abuja
• Alhaji (Dr.) Umar Farouq Bahago, Emir of Minna
• Hon. Justice Sidi Bage I, Emir of Lafia
• Pastor Samson Gamu Yare, Chun Mada of Akwanga
• Kemi Okenyondo, Founder/Executive Director, PWAN
• Imam Sani Isah, Chief Imam, Waff Road Mosque, Kaduna
• Dorothy Njemanze, Executive Director, DNF

Their presence reinforced the widespread endorsement of faith–culture partnerships in combating SGBV.

About the Dorothy Njemanze Foundation (DNF)

The Dorothy Njemanze Foundation is a leading, survivor-led organization championing gender justice, media advocacy, and human rights across 17 states in Nigeria.
DNF provides real-time survivor support, drives prevention campaigns, and leads strategic litigation—including its groundbreaking ECOWAS judgment against the Nigerian government.
Its programs remain critical in Nigeria’s fight to end gender-based violence.

CCN Reaffirms Commitment to Justice and Human Dignity

The Christian Council of Nigeria congratulates Right Rev. Dr. Evans Onyemara on this well-deserved honour and reaffirms its dedication to:

• Promoting human rights
• Strengthening community accountability
• Supporting survivors of sexual and gender-based violence
• Nurturing faith-based partnerships for national transformation

This award is a testament to what faith leadership can achieve when moral conviction meets courageous action.

Report by:
The Revd Uruakpa Onyemaechi Charles
Correspondent for Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN)