Author and Executive Director of the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development, Dr. Otive Igbuzor, has paid tribute to Mr. Innocent Chukwuma, the late human rights activist and founder of CLEEN Foundation on the occasion of his 59th posthumous birthday, describing him as one of a kind individual who "inspired a generation."
Mr. Innocent, who was Ford Foundation's Regional Director for West Africa from 2013 to 2021, founder of Oluaka Institute of Technology, as well as co-founder of the Centre for Memories, Enugu, passed away in 2021.
He left behind him his wife, Mrs. Josephine Chukwuma, and three daughters, Chidinma, Amarachi and Nkechi. Innocent was born on February 6th, 1966, in Umuahia, Abia State, into the family of late Pa Dennis and Eileen Chukwuma.
In his tribute to the late Innocent presented on Thursday at a virtual event organised to mark his 59th posthumous birthday, Igbuzor, who is also a former international Head of campaigns of ActionAid International and Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, emphasised that his legacy is not only etched in the institutions he built but also in the lives he touched.
Igbuzor noted that as someone who had the privilege of working alongside Innocent for over three decades, he was "deeply moved to reflect on his life, his contributions, and the indelible mark he left on our society."
According to him, Innocent, growing up as the fifth of seven children in post-civil war Nigeria, experienced firsthand the challenges that shaped his resilience and commitment to social justice.
"From an early age, Innocent assisted his mother in trading, balancing these responsibilities with his education which contributed to shaping his life dedication and excellent work ethic," Igbuzor said.
"Our paths converged in the 1980s through our shared involvement in socialist movements and front organisations, including the Socialist Congress of Nigeria (SCON), the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), Democratic Alternative (DA), and Women in Nigeria (WIN). Innocent's passion for justice was evident during his time at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he studied Religion and Philosophy. He emerged as a formidable student leader, serving as the Speaker of the Student Union and the Senate President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS). Together, we were part of the national resistance against the Structural Adjustment Programme in 1988/89, a movement that underscored Innocent's unwavering commitment to the oppressed.
"After his graduation, Innocent's journey led him to the Civil Liberties Organisation, where he dedicated six years, culminating in his role as Acting Executive Director. His tenure at CLO was marked by relentless advocacy for human rights and democracy. In 1998, he founded the CLEEN Foundation, pioneering efforts in promoting public safety, security, and accessible justice in Nigeria. His visionary leadership extended to his role as the West Africa Representative of the Ford Foundation, where he continued to champion initiatives that empowered marginalized communities.
"Innocent's legacy is not only etched in the institutions he built but also in the lives he touched. His work transcended borders, inspiring a generation of activists and leaders committed to social change. His dedication to an inclusive society where young people and women thrive is perpetuated through the Innocent Chukwuemeka Chukwuma Empowerment Foundation (ICCEF), ensuring that his vision continues to illuminate our path forward. I still remember vividly as if it is yesterday when we spend over one hour at the Abuja airport while waiting for flight discussing his initiatives to empower people back home in the East.
"On this day, as we remember Innocent, let us celebrate a life lived in steadfast pursuit of justice, equity, and humanity. His journey reminds us that true leadership is rooted in service, and his legacy challenges us to continue the work he so passionately advanced."
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