President wins Gani Fawehinmi Impact Award
The Executive Director of FOI Counsel, President Aigbokhan, Esq. has been named as the winner of the 2024 Gani Fawehinmi Outstanding Impact Award. The award was announced and presented to Mr. Aigbokhan by Mr. Inebehi Effiong unhehalf of HEDA at a ceremony held in Lagos on December 10, 2024. The award has this “in recognition of his commitment to social change, awarded by the Board of Trustees of HEDA Resource”
In his acceptance speech, he applauded those who charted the path particularly those who believes that the right to information is a self-standing human right.
He narrated how he started the journey in the usage of the Freedom of Information Act in 2012 and that he identified the law as a propeller for citizens’ public participation.
Part of the speech is as produced below;
FOI Counsel, as the name implies, assist venerable women, journalists, small NGOs, network and coalitions in accessing unclassified public records or information.
In 2014, we had our first test case to validate our cause and to determine whether we were ready for the journey. We seized the opportunity in the case of Austin Osakue v EDOSACA & Others.
We realized that building a strong brand was crucial. He choosed rodent which is unique to amplify the voice of the voiceless. Agree with me that a mouse is an unstoppable rodent that accesses any material and this suits our purpose well.
Today, we have represented over 130 NGOs and individuals in court between 2014-2024. In 2022, we led over 60 NGOs and activists to endorse the Benin City Declaration which aimed to promote transparency and accountability at the sub-national systems. We have strengthened the capacities of 1632 persons including judges, 17 organizations and 12 communities on access to public records and other rights-based entitlements. Our practice book on the Freedom of Information Act, Practice and Law published in 2019 has sold over 500 copies.
Our pro bono service is centred on the right to access unrestricted public records from the government. It is organized in a very simple and participatory process- any rights holder or group of rights holders who feel that their right to information has been violated use FOI Advisor or call my dedicated phone lines or send me a Whatsapp message or a guided email. Some users want assistance in the writing of the request letter while others want litigation intervention. We document the request, download the document uploaded (if any), draft and forward the request letter (where applicable), conduct exemption analysis of the information sought and thereafter organize virtual or physical feedback meetings on the merit and demerit of their cases.
Our most recent case involves challenging the Press Council Act of 1966. The ECOWAS Court struck out several sections of this law and mandated the amendment of the same. This landmark case, Isaac Olamikan Judgment No: ECW/CCJ/JUD/43/23 professionally integrated non-traditional journalists in Africa into mainstream journalism standards and protection. The court held further that the requirement that a person who wishes to engage in a journalistic activity must meet compulsory membership or have a university degree for the practice of journalism constitutes unlawful restrictions of freedom of expression.
I am deeply honored to have been nominated and shortlisted for this award. The Gani Fawehinmi Award represents a celebration of values that are pivotal to the growth of a just and equitable society such as integrity, resilience, and principally the relentless pursuit of impactful change.
As someone who has drawn immense inspiration from the life and legacy of Chief Gani Fawehinmi, SAN, this recognition holds profound significance to me. Chief Fawehinmi’s unyielding commitment to justice, human rights and the fight for equality has long been a beacon of hope and motivation for countless advocates, myself included
We must innovate to push back the state. One better way of doing this is to collaborate and this award by HEDA is a confirmation of an unconventional supportive partnership
Being recognized by an organization renowned for its unwavering dedication to social justice and accountability, is a testament to the successful work we do. It is an enlistment in the hall of fame for human rights defenders.
This recognition is not just for me but for the countless individuals, colleagues, and communities who have walked this path of advocacy and transformation alongside me. This award belongs to the hands and hearts that joined me in this effort. I must mention my colleagues Robinson Otuakhena, Esq, Prince Solomon Oritsegbemi, Esq, Ms. Osazogie Osazuwa, Esq, Ms. Joy Ihimekpen, Esq, Ms. Rosemary Nwagwugwu, Esq who in one case or the other represented our information seekers in court. I also at this stage thank my esteemed wife Happiness and kids who have happily loaned me out to this intervention.
I also owe gratitude to my brothers and sisters who have encouraged me with words of advice, books and financial support. To the numerous judges who have presided over our cases. Their decisions—whether in our favor or otherwise—have consistently upheld the principles of justice and fairness. Your dedication to ensuring the rule of law deserves recognition and appreciation. To my boss Comrade Austin Osakue, who donated his personal experience as our first text case, I thank you. I thank the members of the Nigeria Bar Association, Benin Branch for their prayers and well-wishes and others too numerous to mention.
Once again, I thank HEDA Resource Centre for believing in FOI Counsel, for believing in me and most importantly for still having faith in Nigeria. I assure you of my continued commitment to upholding the principles of integrity, innovative and impactful advocacy that this award embodies.