On Friday, August 22, 2025, We the People’s Rights Academy held the graduation ceremony of its 3rd cohort at the Nnimmo Bassey Conference Hall in Calabar. Fourteen (14) young scholars successfully completed a 3-month intensive training program on human rights, environmental rights, and advocacy. The Rights Academy serves as a hub for learning and leadership development, equipping young people with the knowledge and skills to champion human and ecological rights.
In her opening remarks, Grace Appolos, Programs Manager of We the People, commended the scholars for their dedication and resilience, describing them as proof that young people are ready to take on the responsibility of shaping a just and sustainable future. She urged them to apply their knowledge not only in advocacy spaces but also in their everyday interactions within their communities.
Graduating scholars shared heartfelt reflections on their journeys. Courage Yegwa expressed gratitude, noting that the lessons received would remain “instrumental to this journey of taking action to create change” Tersoo James recounted how the Academy helped him overcome fear and embrace advocacy, an experience that paved the way for his 2024 win in the “Get Creative with Plastic” competition. Similarly, Nwooyi described the program as life-changing, saying: “When I count my blessings, I count the Rights Academy as one of them. It refined me and put me on a path of advocacy.”
In his closing charge, Ken Henshaw, Executive Director of We the People, reflected on the Academy’s growth and impact. He admitted that when the initiative began, there was uncertainty about its reach. However, the powerful testimonies of participants have reinforced the need to sustain and expand the program. He encouraged the graduates never to relent in their pursuit of justice and positive change.
The event featured certificate presentations and showcases from the graduates, providing a platform for them to share their experiences and aspirations.
The graduation was not just a ceremony but a celebration of resilience, learning, and a collective commitment to advocacy. With 14 new advocates stepping into the field, the Rights Academy continues to nurture a growing community of human and environmental rights defenders.
