World Humanity Commission Names Dr. Richy Onolememen Africa High Commissioner, Nigeria Envoy

The World Humanity Commission (WHC) has appointed Ambassador Dr. Richy Onolememen as its High Commissioner for Africa and Special Representative in Nigeria, in a move aimed at strengthening the Commission’s humanitarian and diplomatic engagements across the continent.

Dr. Richy Onolememen

The appointment followed a rigorous, merit-based selection process that climaxed with a high-level panel review held at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja. Dr. Onolememen was said to have formally defended his application before a panel made up of senior WHC officials, policy experts and a Special Envoy to the Presidency of the Commission.

According to WHC, the panel session was a key component of its transparent leadership selection framework designed to identify candidates capable of advancing the organisation’s humanitarian mandate in Africa.

During the review, Dr. Onolememen articulated a strategic roadmap focused on amplifying Africa’s influence in the global humanitarian ecosystem, enhancing regional cooperation and expanding WHC’s operational presence in Nigeria. He also identified sustainable development, institutional collaboration, effective humanitarian coordination and alignment with international frameworks such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as core priorities.

Commenting on the appointment, the Special Envoy to the Presidency of the World Humanity Commission, Ambassador Chioma Lynda Onwuka, disclosed that the position attracted applications from across Africa.

She said, “After a thorough evaluation and extensive deliberations by the Supreme Council under the Presidency of the Commission, Dr. Richy Onolememen emerged as the candidate whose vision, experience and strategic outlook best align with the Commission’s objectives.”

Ambassador Onwuka explained that the dual appointment was a deliberate decision by the Commission to reinforce Africa’s representation in global humanitarian decision-making while deepening its operational and diplomatic engagement in Nigeria, described as a strategic hub on the continent.

In his new capacity, Dr. Onolememen will provide strategic leadership and policy direction for WHC’s humanitarian, development and advocacy programmes across Africa. As Special Representative in Nigeria, he will also serve as the principal interface between the Commission and government institutions, diplomatic missions, civil society organisations and development partners.

The World Humanity Commission, which enjoys consultative status with the United Nations, reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, excellence and adherence to global best practices, as it continues to promote human dignity, peace and sustainable development worldwide.

The Commission further reiterated its guiding philosophy, noting that in all its undertakings, humanity remains at the centre of its mission.