PRESS RELEASE
27th September, 2025.
CEHRAWS ENGAGES SENIOR U.S. CONSULATE OFFICIALS ON GOVERNANCE, HUMAN RIGHTS, AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN ABIA STATE
The Centre for Human Rights Advocacy and Wholesome Society (CEHRAWS), ably represented by its Executive Director, Okoye, Chuka Peter, on Thursday, September 25, 2025, joined senior U.S. government officials and members of the Abia State civil society community in Umuahia for a high-level engagement on governance, human rights, and sustainable development.
The delegation from the United States Consulate in Nigeria included Richard M. Mills Jr., the United States Ambassador to Nigeria; Rick Swart, the new Consul General in Lagos; Julie, the Consulate’s Public Affairs Officer; and other senior diplomatic officials. CEHRAWS was part of the Abia State civil society team, which formally welcomed the U.S. delegation.
Discussions during the meeting were robust and far-reaching. Key issues included:
✓ Human Rights, accountability, and transparency in governance and security agencies.
✓ Strengthening of legal frameworks such as the Abia State Public Procurement Law, Fiscal Responsibility Act, and the Freedom of Information Act.
✓ The Open Government Partnership (OGP) Initiative as a tool for participatory governance.
✓ Climate change action and agricultural development as interconnected priorities for sustainability.
✓ The ongoing construction of the Independent Power Plant in Aba, aimed at improving energy access and powering economic growth.
The U.S. delegation also acknowledged the transformation underway in the “New Abia” under the proactive leadership of Governor Dr. Alex Otti, describing the state as “a beautiful bride” attracting new partnerships, investment, and reforms.
Speaking after the event, CEHRAWS Executive Director, Okoye, Chuka Peter, emphasized that:
“As an organisation, CEHRAWS is convinced that the struggle for human rights, accountable governance, sustainable development, and the dignity of our people is not just noble — it is inevitable. Moments like this reassure us that the world is watching, listening, and ready to walk with us.”
CEHRAWS reiterates its commitment to working with government, civil society, and international partners to deepen democratic accountability, defend human rights, and promote wholesome societal development in Abia State and Nigeria at large.
Signed:
Okoye, Chuka Peter
Executive Director
cehraws@gmail.com | +234(0)803-552-9865.
