2025 World Day of Social Justice: Call to Action for a More Just World

Dear Esteemed Members of Our University Community,

On this momentous occasion of the 2025 World Day of Social Justice, I extend my warmest regards to every member of our esteemed institution. This day serves as a poignant reminder of our collective duty to uphold the principles of equity, due process, and non-discrimination in fostering a society grounded in fairness, inclusion, and justice.

This year’s theme, “Empowering Inclusion: Bridging Gaps for Social Justice,” underscores the urgent need to dismantle systemic barriers, uphold equal protection under the law, and advocate for a world where justice is not merely aspirational but a legally enforceable reality.

At Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), we remain steadfast in our commitment to these principles; through rigorous legal scholarship, policy advocacy, and community engagement, we strive to eradicate institutionalized disparities and uphold the inalienable rights of all individuals, irrespective of socio-economic status, race, or creed. Our academic environment is a bastion of diversity, procedural fairness, and intellectual discourse, fostering critical conversations on social justice, human rights, and sustainable development.

As we reflect on the significance of this day, I urge faculty, students, and stakeholders to translate these ideals into tangible action. Let us advocate for legislative frameworks that guarantee equal access to education, enforce equitable labour laws, and promote social and economic justice.

Let us challenge discriminatory policies, support public interest litigation, and contribute to legal reforms that empower marginalized communities. Above all, let us embody the values of integrity, fairness, and respect in our daily interactions, ensuring that justice is not only a constitutional promise but a lived reality.

Social justice is not merely a moral imperative; it is a legal and ethical obligation enshrined in national and international legal instruments. As a renowned leader in higher education in legal studies, we wield the power to shape jurisprudence, influence legislative policies, and drive systemic change.

Today, let us be deliberate in our commitment to building a society where fairness is not a privilege but a fundamental human right protected under the law, charting a path toward a future where justice, inclusion, and equality are not just ideals but enforceable norms that leave no one behind.

Thank you.

Professor Elisabeta Smaranda OLARINDE, FCArb, FCAI
Vice-Chancellor,
Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD).

20^th February, 2025.