Basic Rights Counsel Initiative

It's our Crystal Anniversary!

For fifteen years, Basic Rights Counsel Initiative has remained committed to advancing justice and protecting the rights of women and vulnerable children.

Over the past year, we hosted the second edition of Law Day in partnership with the Embassy of France in Nigeria, featuring an inspiring art exhibition where children, including those with special needs expressed their creativity and voices.

We strengthened child protection systems by training stakeholders, foster carers, and adoptive parents, and also launched a new emergency shelter space to provide safety and support for girls rescued from abuse and exploitation.

In recognition of our work, BRCI received the 2025 Humanitarian Service Award, and in February 2026, justice was served when a perpetrator was sentenced to life imprisonment for the r**e of an eight-year-old child.

As we mark 15 years of impact, we celebrate the dedication of our staff, volunteers, partners, supporters, and the communities we serve, whose collective efforts make this work possible.

Our drive remains clear, protecting the rights of women and vulnerable children and advancing justice.

We all at Basic Rights Counsel Initiative celebrate your leadership, support, and the impact you continue to make Ma'am. Wishing you a wonderful year ahead.

On Tuesday, March 3, 2026, while on a visit to the school club established at Henshaw Town Secondary School under the Heart of the Matter Project, the team from Basic Rights Counsel Initiative met a young student who was experiencing serious difficulty with his eyesight. The situation required prompt attention, and the team immediately took steps to ensure the child received the help he needed.

BRCI reached out to Mrs. Ogechi Cecilia Nwaohiri-Chukwu, who is currently running a one-week free vision screening through St. Cecilia Eye Clinic & Vision Centre Ltd. The student was taken to the clinic where his eyes were professionally examined. Following the assessment, he was provided with corrective glasses to support his vision and help him continue his education with improved sight.

We sincerely appreciate Mrs. Ogechi Cecilia Nwaohiri-Chukwu and St. Cecilia Eye Clinic & Vision Centre Ltd. for their willingness to support the child during this free eye screening exercise. We also thank Safe Child Africa for supporting the transportation of the student throughout the process, ensuring he was able to access the care without barriers.

The Heart of the Matter Project, implemented by Basic Rights Counsel Initiative, continues to create opportunities to respond to the needs of children within schools and communities. Interventions like this show how timely collaboration can directly improve a child’s well-being and ability to learn.

On February 17 - 21, 2026, Basic Rights Counsel Initiative implemented the Heart of the Matter (HOM) Project in Cross River State Central, engaging both faith leaders and secondary school pupils within the same community and timeframe.

At Christian Church, Ntan Ekori, pastors and church leaders participated in a five-day intensive training examining theology, psychology, community psychology, child rights, safeguarding principles, Nigerian child protection laws, and the Cross-River State Child Protection Framework. A critical component of the sessions focused on scriptural texts frequently misinterpreted to justify witchcraft accusations against children. These passages were carefully examined in context, clarifying that scripture does not support stigmatization, branding, or abuse. Participants were also guided on the legal consequences of labeling children as witches and advised to align their teachings and counseling practices with both biblical doctrine and child protection law.

Simultaneously, from 18th to 20th February, HOM facilitators worked with 20 pupils at Comprehensive Secondary School, Ekori. The pupils investigated child witchcraft branding, emotional abuse, and physical abuse through interactive discussions, role-playing, question-and-answer sessions, and real-life examples. They learned that labeling a child as a witch is harmful and wrong, understood their rights and responsibilities, and gained confidence to report abuse to trusted adults. Teachers and school management were actively present throughout the process. A HOM School Club was established to ensure sustained peer-led awareness and child protection advocacy within the school.

This coordinated intervention addressed both the narratives that fuel accusations and the children who are most vulnerable to them. Change becomes sustainable when belief systems are corrected and children are empowered at the same time.

Protecting a child is not symbolic work. It requires clarity, accountability, and deliberate action. The Heart of the Matter project is strengthening that responsibility in our communities, and the work continues.

A child was harmed. The justice system responded. The court has now delivered its judgment.

Hon. Justice Blessing Egwu of the High Court of Cross River State has today February 24, 2026 sentenced Uduak Etim Udo, a 39-year-old man, to life imprisonment for the r**e of an 8-year-old. The outcome of this case shows what is possible when institutions carry out their legal duties fully and without compromise.

Basic Rights Counsel Initiative recognizes the importance of this judgment because it reflects the work of individuals who refused to overlook a child’s suffering but ensured the law took its course.

Our Principal Counsel, James Ibor expresses appreciation to Hon. Justice Blessing Egwu for her firm and principled adjudication of this matter. We also acknowledge the Commissioner of Police, Rashid Afegbua; the Honourable Attorney General of Cross River State, Ededem Ani; the Director of Public Prosecution, Okoi Ukam; and Rajunor Tom for their diligence in prosecuting this case and safeguarding the future of our children.

This is not about headlines. It is about accountability. It reinforces that children’s rights are enforceable under the law and that sexual violence against children carries severe legal consequences. BRCI will continue to pursue justice, support survivors, and insist that the justice system works for the most vulnerable.

Happy Birthday, Ma'am!

Big thanks to Okim-Sama Ndoma, Kehole Enya, Yemi Omini, Effanga Henshaw, Ben Moses, Anuonam Linda Chetachukwu, Evang Isaiah Effiong Akpan, Precious Honesty Eyo, Ndodeye Obongha, Abang Sunday, Ede Godwin

for all your support! Congrats for being top fans on a streak 🔥!

We are excited to announce that Prof. Bene Madunagu Hall, BRCI’s Conference and Training Facility in Calabar, is open for use.

The hall is ideal for organisations, institutions, groups and individuals looking for a professional and comfortable space for meetings, trainings, workshops, and small events. It offers a serene environment designed to support productive engagement and learning.

Discounts are available for Civil Society Organisations.

For enquiries and bookings, please use the contact details on the flyer 👇 👇 👇

Today, our hearts are heavy as we mourn the passing of Mrs. Grace Obong Awe Udua, a woman whose life was defined by service, sacrifice, and unwavering love for children and humanity.

Mrs. Udua was one of the distinguished award recipients during the launch of our Emergency Shelter’s new space last year, an honour that now carries even deeper meaning.

A teacher for over 35 years, a counselor, a volunteer, a community pillar, and a mother to many, both biological and adopted, Mma Udua lived a life of purpose. From her early years in education, through her tireless volunteer work with child-focused organisations, to her role as a Juvenile Court Assessor, she consistently stood with the vulnerable.

She was a pioneer in child care and protection in Eket, co-founding the first Motherless Babies Home in the locality, and working relentlessly for the welfare of orphans and disadvantaged children. Her impact stretched across generations.

Fondly known as “Mama Jolly”, she was the first Nigerian to introduce Jolly Phonics in Nigeria, a contribution that earned her international recognition from Universal Learning Solutions, UK.
Even after retirement, her passion only grew stronger. In 2006, she founded Stepping Stones Model School, Esit Eket, where she served as Head Teacher, driven by a vision to provide quality education to vulnerable children in rural communities.

Mma Udua was not just respected; she was loved. She was a force, a mentor, a protector, and truly a rare breed in our time.

We honour her life.
We celebrate her legacy.
We are grateful for her service to humanity.
Rest in perfect peace, Mrs. Grace Udua. Your works speak for you.