KYRC 2026 Advocates Youth Activism, Human Rights, and Democratic Accountability

         Fawaz Adedeji

The Know Your Rights Conference (KYRC) 2026, held on Saturday, June 27 at Ajose Lecture Theatre, organized by the Clinic for Human Rights, Obafemi Awolowo University (CHROAU) examined the contemporary challenges surrounding citizens’ fundamental human rights and highlighted the role of Nigerian youths in driving social change through activism and advocacy.

The conference, themed “The Voice of Youth in Activism and Advocacy in the Contemporary World,” focused on equipping students with the knowledge and tools required to hold government accountable, defend the vulnerable, and engage meaningfully in democratic processes.

Participants were encouraged to leverage research, constitutional awareness, and digital literacy to challenge injustice, influence public policy, and uphold the rule of law.

The event featured a diverse lineup of speakers, including Prof. Oyelade of the Faculty of Law; journalists Sikiru Obarayese and Aduwo Ayodele; legal practitioners Maruf Adediran (Esq.) and Olufunmilayo Oderinde; human rights lawyer Femi Ogun (represented by Afolabi Alawode); and activists such as Joshua Oyebode and Linus Nice, among others.

In his address, Prof. Oyelade emphasised the importance of youth participation in democratic governance, distinguishing between activism and advocacy.

“Activism involves lending your voice to societal issues and bringing them to the attention of authorities through protest or negotiation. Advocacy, on the other hand, includes engaging policymakers to take necessary actions. Your voice is your power—use it positively to effect change,” he said.

Representing the keynote speaker, Femi Ogun, Afolabi Alawode called for a revival of principled student leadership rooted in courage and ideological clarity.

“Our campuses must once again become spaces where ideas are debated, policies are scrutinised, and injustice is challenged. Advocacy is not only about defending your own rights but also the rights of others,” he stated.

During the first panel session, Tribune correspondent Sikiru Obarayese addressed the persistence of crises in society, attributing their visibility to social media influence and proximity to power.

“Social media amplifies crises, and regions closer to political power often experience greater visibility due to technological access,” he noted.

Joshua Oyebode, former Director of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), highlighted the socio-economic challenges affecting human rights advocacy in Nigeria.

“The core issue remains the lack of basic living standards. Many Nigerians still lack access to essential services such as potable water and proper infrastructure. Government must prioritise the security and welfare of its citizens,” he said.

In another session, legal practitioner Olufunmilayo Oderinde discussed the role of technology in improving access to justice.

“Digital innovation is bringing justice closer to ordinary Nigerians. As long as individuals can access the internet, they should also be able to access legal support, regardless of their financial status,” she explained.

Maruf Adediran (Esq.) spoke on digital literacy and fact-checking in the legal space, urging youths to harness technology responsibly.

“Artificial intelligence is here to stay. Young people must adopt practical ways of using it for activism, including developing tools that verify the authenticity of digital content,” he said.

Human rights advocate Linus Nice encouraged participants to actively defend fundamental rights and challenge unjust policies.

“You must understand your rights, recognise the tools of oppression—ignorance and fear—and confront them through legal and advocacy channels,” he advised.

Journalist Aduwo Ayodele reflected on the risks associated with holding power accountable, stressing the importance of conviction.

“In a society where truth is often uncomfortable, conviction becomes essential. It drives action where sympathy cannot,” he said.

Also speaking, the Great Ife Welfare Officer, Shuaib Osunleke (Musab), highlighted challenges affecting student welfare, including academic pressures and inadequate facilities.

“Students face numerous structural challenges, from demanding academic schedules to insufficient accommodation. Advocacy remains key to addressing these issues,” he noted.

The conference concluded with a call for students to cultivate intellectual curiosity, remain informed about public affairs, and actively engage in social, economic, and legal issues shaping the nation.

Awards of recognition were presented to keynote speakers and panellists in appreciation of their contributions to the programme.