Bishop Evans Onyemara Bags 2025 Voice of Change Award, Celebrated for Bold Stand Against SGBV.
By Raymond Enoch.
It was a night of honour, purpose, and renewed commitment to justice as The Rt. Rev. Evans Onyemara, PhD, General Secretary of the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN), emerged one of the standout recipients at the prestigious 2025 Active Bystanders Awards held at the Exclusive Serene Hotel, Wuye, Abuja.
Bishop Onyemara received the Voice of Change Award, presented by the Dorothy Njemanze Foundation, in recognition of his unwavering advocacy and courageous interventions against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) across Nigeria.
The ceremony drew a distinguished audience of leaders from faith institutions, cultural bodies, government agencies, and civil society. The evening opened with a heartfelt Welcome Address by activist and founder of the hosting foundation, Dorothy Njemanze. Goodwill messages poured in from representatives of the Ford Foundation, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), and respected traditional rulers — all applauding the rising role of faith-based leaders in the fight for human dignity.
In celebrating Bishop Onyemara, speakers highlighted his bold engagement on issues of justice and his dedication to mobilizing Christians to serve as “Active Bystanders” — individuals who intervene, speak up, and protect the vulnerable within their communities.
The event also featured a thought-provoking keynote exploring the intersection of faith and human rights, followed by a reflective session on the acclaimed Real Men Documentary, which challenged male leaders to champion safer environments for women and girls.
CCN, in a statement, praised Bishop Onyemara’s recognition as a testament to the Council’s mission of defending human dignity and confronting all forms of violence and injustice. “This honour strengthens our resolve to continue speaking for the vulnerable and standing firm against SGBV,” the Council noted.
The 2025 Active Bystanders Awards once again spotlighted the power of advocacy, faith, and community leadership in shaping a Nigeria free from violence and discrimination.
