Experts identify fairness, opportunities for all as fundamental to social justice

By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko

As Nigeria joins the celebration of World Social Justice Day on Thursday, fairness, dignity and equal opportunities for all have been identified as fundamental to having a just society.

These qualities and more were identified by a social worker, Dr Rosemary Odigbo, and a lawyer, Mrs Oluwaseun Folajuwon-Banjo, in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan.

Odigbo, also the Oyo State Coordinator, Child Protection Network Nigeria, underscored the importance of collective action in building a more just and equitable society.

She said all citizens must promote inclusion, mutual respect and active community engagement.

According to Odigbo, fostering social justice requires strong partnerships among the government, private sector, civil society and communities.

She added that strengthening social protection programmes, expanding economic opportunities and ensuring access to essential services could contribute to a more inclusive society.

“NGOs, businesses, and faith-based organisations play vital roles in supporting vulnerable groups, creating job opportunities, and advocating for positive social change, said Odigbo.

NAN reports the theme for the 2025 World Social Justice Day is “Empowering Inclusion: Bridging Gaps for Social Justice”.

The theme, says the social worker, highlights the need to address social and economic inequalities, promote equal opportunities and ensure inclusion for all, especially the marginalised groups.

“To truly bridge the gaps, collective efforts should focus on quality education, economic empowerment, gender equality and accessible justice systems.

“By working together, we can create a society where everyone, regardless of background, has the opportunity to thrive,” said Odigbo.

NAN reports that Odigbo is also the South-West Coordinator, Association of Orphanages and Homes Operators in Nigeria.

Similarly, Folajuwon-Banjo, a human rights advocate, called for the inclusion of women, people with disabilities and marginalised groups in decision-making forums, government leadership positions and institutions.

She remarked that to bridge the social justice gap in Nigeria, human rights laws must be strengthened and enforced to protect all persons, including the marginalised and vulnerable groups.

Folajuwon-Banjo, also the Founder, SavingCross Justicepoint Foundation, says every violation of human rights, such as gender-based violence and police brutalities, must be held accountable while justice is made accessible to all.

She called for the creation of more jobs, equal opportunities to support all groups and the provision of financial aid to the poor.

According to her, social justice training must be integrated into the nation’s educational curricula to train young ones on human rights and the need to respect the rights of others.

She added that grassroots groups and organisations that advocate social justice should be better supported to keep advocating for a corruption-free economy, transparency and accountability.

Folajuwon-Banjo said the day was created to remind people globally about the importance of making the world a fairer place for everyone.

“On this day, we think about how to help people who are struggling with poverty, abuse, or feeling left out of society.

“It is a day to focus on how we can synthesise all efforts to create a more just and equal world for everyone.

“Social justice is a term that connotes the expressions of fairness, equality, and hope for every member of a community.

“Thus, to empower inclusion is to make all materials and resources that can foster easy and unhindered access available for all to enjoy equality, fairness and equity.

“This is regardless of backgrounds, age, gender, status, religion or ethnicity in similar measures and without discrimination,” she said.

The legal practitioner explains that Nigeria is a signatory to the United Nations Conventions on Human Rights and the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights.

She added that the country, having domesticated these laws, had the needed mechanisms to promote social justice.

“This day is, therefore, a moment to encourage the nation to fully embrace the recommendations for the effectiveness of social justice for national growth and the enjoyment of citizens,” Folajuwon-Banjo said. (NAN)