STRENGTHENING COLLABORATION AMONGST CRIMINAL JUSTICE ACTORS TO DEEPEN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE ARCHITECTURE TO ENSURE THE EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ACJA/AC
FIDA Nigeria has been involved in strengthening Collaboration amongst Criminal Justice Actors to deepen The Criminal Justice Architecture to Ensure the Effective Implementation of the ACJA/ACJLs and its compatibility with Anticorruption Laws. This three-year intervention is implemented in six states namely Rivers, FCT, Bayelsa, Kano, Ekiti & Anambra Status of Project Activities Implemented: Sensitization campaigns through scripting, production, and airing Jingles on the ACJA/ L in the 6 project states inclusive of FCT. Sensitization campaigns in six communities across the project states on the ACJA/L through simplified copies of the Laws which were held between February – March 2022.
Continuous Legal Education training was held in April 2022 across the six project states including the Federal Capital Territory. Technical support provided to the respective Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committees in the six project State Project Outcomes: Improved knowledge of the Administration of the Criminal Justice Act & the respective Laws in the focal states of our Macarthur Foundation-funded intervention namely Rivers, FCT, Ekiti, Anambra, Bayelsa & Kano states. This has been made possible through simplified copies of the laws, and the airing of radio jingles in local languages. Enhanced understanding of Anti-corruption legal frameworks by Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committees, Increased knowledge on Administration of the Criminal Justice Act/ respective Laws and Anti-corruption legal frameworks by Criminal Justice Actors
Project supported by MacArthur Foundation for a period of Three years (October 2021 – September 2024) in Anambra, Kano, Bayelsa, FCT, Ekiti, and Rivers State.
FIDA Nigeria Side Event at the 61st NBA Annual General Conference
FIDA Nigeria side event at the 61st NBA Annual General Conference at Yakubu Gowon Stadium Elekahia Port-Harcout Rivers State, held on the 27th Of October 2021 with the theme “Taking the lead in Women’s Voice and Leadership”
The session was moderated by FIDA Nigeria’s National Secretary Mrs. Evelyn Membere-Asimea, Hon. Justice Elsie Thompson as the lead speaker, Toun Okewale Sonaiya and Babs Olugbemi as co discussants.
In attendance was the First Lady of Rivers Her Excellency Hon. Justice Eberechi Suzette Nyesome-Wike, the country Vice/National President FIDA Nigeria, Honourable Inime Aguma, honourable Commissioner for Social Welfare Rivers State, NBA General-Secretary Joyce Oduah, alongside FIDA Nigeria National Officers, chairpersons and secretaries of branches with their executives.
FIDA Nigeria members turned out massively for the event, as the 1000 capacity sitter of the main hall of the venue was filled to the brim.
FIDA Nigeria’s Statement Condemning the Invasion Of Property And Privacy Of Hon Justice Mary Odili, Jsc On 29/10/2021.
FIDA Nigeria condemns in totality the recent bombardment and invasion of the privacy of Hon Justice Mary Odili, JSC at her premises in Abuja by persons identified as EFCC operatives and other security operatives working under the guise of carrying out an ‘investigation’.
Subsequent events and inquiries have shown no clarity as to their intent and purpose particularly being that the search warrant they operated under was reported cancelled having been obtained under false information. Although the EFCC and other government establishments are denying involvement, this itself is worrisome and goes to show how insecure we are in this country.
FIDA strongly objects to the mischievous and callous behaviour of the so-called ‘operatives’ carrying out illegal operations based on personal whims and caprices.
Furthermore, the repeated and continuous harassment of the highly distinguished person of Hon Justice Mary Odili JSC, a notable and reputable member of the Judiciary, the threat to her life and property, and the infringement of her privacy cannot be condoned or tolerated.
Besides her privacy rights as a citizen of Nigeria, which have been breached, we must collectively also rise to protect the doctrine of separation of powers and independence of the judiciary, (a third arm of government) which must not be compromised in any shape or form.
We demand a thorough investigation into this matter and the exposure and punishment of the culprits involved; in addition to an unreserved apology to the Honorable Justice of the Supreme Court, (the highest court in the land) who has served this country most meritoriously. FIDA NIGERIA obligates to throw her weight and amplify her voice against all forms of infringement of the rights of a respected and hardworking jurist of our nation.
Rhoda Prevail Tyoden
Country Vice President/National President
FIDA Nigeria
FIDA Pays Courtesy Visit to The Newly Appointed DG NAPTIP
FIDA Nigeria on the 22nd of October 2021, paid a courtesy visit to the newly appointed Director-General NAPTIP Dr. Fatima Waziri – Azi. The delegation was led by Amina Susanna Agbaje; the Deputy Country Vice President (DCVP) FIDA Nigeria.
In her remarks, the DCVP appreciated NAPTIP for the partnership FIDA Nigeria has enjoyed over the years especially during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown. The surge in cases of SGBV since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic was raised and the need to pull resources together to ensure that this menace is eradicated, noting recent research that shows over 80 million women are still faced with sexual and gender-based violence.
The DG NAPTIP commended FIDA Nigeria for the effort put into ensuring speedy dispensation of justice on cases of SGBV. The DG highlighted areas for possible collaboration where both organizations can strengthen partnership, especially in capacity building for various departments implementing the various laws protecting the rights of women and children.
The DG also highlighted four Strategic Priorities for her tenure which are;
- Increase in investigation, prosecution, and conviction of high-profile cases
- Enhanced, sustained and targeted awareness creation
- Sustainable and evidence-based return and reintegration programs for returnees
- Enhancing visibility of the agency and its partners and especially via its social media platforms
Day 3 FIDA NEC Meeting Kaduna
On the 18th of October 2021, FIDA Nigeria, National Executive Council (NEC) Meeting started off with a business meeting held at the Umaru Musa Yar’adua Hall Kaduna State. The session was chaired by the Country Vice President/National President FIDA Nigeria; Rhoda Prevail Tyoden and in attendance were over 25 branch representatives enabling serious discussions on key and topical issues in line with FIDA’s mandate
Later that evening to conclude the day’s activities was a Dinner/Awards Night, with the Special Guest of Honour being the First Lady of Kaduna State, Her Excellency Asia Ahmad El – Rufai accompanied by her husband the Executive Governor of Kaduna State Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.
Also, in attendance were the Chief Judge of Kaduna State, Honorable Justice Muhammadu Lawal Bello, Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice Aisha Dikko, Accountant General of the State Shizzer Nasara Bada amongst others members of the state executive and judiciary
The Governor in his closing remarks expressed delight that FIDA Nigeria chose Kaduna State for her NEC meeting while appreciating FIDA for her great service to humanity and encouraging FIDA in her noble vision and mission.
Formal Opening Ceremony of FIDA Nigeria’s 3rd Quarter NEC Meeting
The formal opening ceremony of FIDA Nigeria’s 3rd Quarter National Executive Council Meeting (NEC) was held on the 14th of October, 2021 at Hotel Seventeen, Tafawa Balewa Way Kaduna.
The ceremony began with a welcome address from the Host branch Chairperson FIDA Kaduna, Hajia Zainab Atoba as she welcomed all branches of FIDA to the state. The Country Vice President/National President of FIDA Nigeria, Rhoda Prevail Tyoden gave her Opening Remarks.
The Chief Judge of Kaduna State, Honorable Justice Muhammadu Lawal Bello declared the program opened which was followed by the formal Inauguration of FIDA Nigeria Zaria Branch thereby bringing FIDA’s services closer to the grassroot.
The interim branch executive officers were sworn in by the Chief Judge of Kaduna State, in the presence of the Emir of Zazzau Zaria, Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, amongst other state government officials, members of the judiciary and notable guests who graced the occasion.
This was followed by the Continuing Legal Education (CLE) program which was an intriguing session on Trauma-Informed Care – First Time Responders Training, followed by a discussion on the Child Rights Act with presentations by different state branches
State branches were in the evening hosted to a cultural night which had in attendance the First Lady of Kaduna State, Asia Ahmad El – Rufai amongst other dignitaries. The State cultural dance troupe entertained everyone including FIDA branches who showcased their beautiful cultures in different dances and attire.
FIDA Nigeria 3rd Quarter National Executive Council Meeting
FIDA Nigeria kick-started her 3rd Quarter National Executive Council meeting in Kaduna State, on the 13th of October 2021, with a visit to Jam’Iyyar Matan Arewa Orphanage Home, the place of refuge for orphans, homeless, and abandoned Kids.
The Country Vice President/National President Rhoda Prevail Tyoden, accompanied by her National Executive Officers and representatives of the different FIDA Branches.
In her remark, appreciated the zeal and efforts of management and urged them to continue in their cause of fending for the vulnerable and less privileged kids.
On behalf of FIDA Nigeria, she made a donation to support the care of the babies while furthermore assuring them of continued support, especially legal aid in their cases.
This noble cause of being a blessing to these less privileged kids and spending time with them gave immense joy and peace to all Fidans from the different branches who were present.
Later that evening, was a welcome cocktail, which had in attendance the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State ably represented by the Accountant General of the State Shizzer Nasara Bada, the Chief Judge of Kaduna State, Honorable Justice Muhammadu Lawal Bello who was supported by members of the Judiciary (Judges and Magistrates), alongside Fidans from over 28 branches in the federation.
A delightful entertaining and most eventful evening it was as members enjoyed the warm hospitality of the host branch, FIDA Kaduna State ably led by the Chairperson Zainab M. Atoba
International Day of the Girl Child 2021
FIDA Nigeria commemorates the International Day of the Girl Child 2021 with the theme ‘Digital Generation-Our generation’.
Though the Girl Child in Nigeria is still disadvantaged, discriminated against, underprivileged and grossly underestimated, we celebrate her strength, against all odds that the society has stacked up against them, the girl-child still manages to daily surmount the obstacles and challenges to survive and excel.
We acknowledge that to relate in our modern world today, Digital literacy is an essential skill without which girls will have fewer employment opportunities and will face additional barriers to workforce participation. We must therefore appreciate this challenge and then seek to properly equip them to be great in this generation.
While we are still grappling with tackling the ills faced by the girl child, we need to also work towards mitigating the digital gender gap so we can equally create opportunities and carve a niche for girl child participation.
According to UNICEF, while the Covid-19 pandemic accelerated digital platforms for learning, earning, and connecting, some 2.2 billion people below the age of 25 still do not have internet access at home. Accordingly, girls are more likely to be cut off. The gender gap for global internet users grew from 11 percent in 2013 to 17 percent in 2019. In the world’s least developed countries, it hovers around 43 percent; this calls for grave concern. Inequality in education is also a major contributor to the gender digital divide.
To this end FIDA Nigeria:
- Celebrates the girl child, beautiful, strong, courageous, bold, adaptable, and tenacious excelling despite societal challenges.
- Celebrates the girl child excelling in education, particularly IT, Digital Technology such as Jessica Osita, Promise Nnalue, Nwabuaku Ossai, Adaeze Onuigbo, Vivian Okoyewho. The girls from Regina Pacis Secondary School, Onitsha, Anambra State Nigeria who represented Nigeria and Africa at the World Technovation Challenge in the Silicon Valley in San Francisco, USA won the Gold Medal in the contest. They won the Challenge with a mobile application called the FD-Detector which they developed to help tackle the Challenge of fake pharmaceutical products in Nigeria. They are worthy poster children, so others can emulate
- Celebrates women who are already working in the digital space and call upon them to work more closely with the girl child, helping in creating necessary platforms and opportunities for the girl child to use thereby supporting in closing the gender gap in this sector.
- We also celebrate female digital tech champions such as Adora Nwodo a Software Engineer at Microsoft. Abiola Eniola Aminu, a Product Designer at Flutter-wave. Omolara Adejuwon, an Editor at ProAndroidDev, amongst others who have so far accomplished giant strides in this sector despite known challenges. They stand today as great inspirations and worthy mentors to the girl child.
FIDA Nigeria calls for collective efforts from all – the government, parents, guardians, civil society organizations, FBOs, international institutions, and their agencies to help the plight of the Nigerian girl-child by educating them, bridging the inequality and digital gender gap, create opportunities for them to culminate into strong women leaders.
FIDA Nigeria continues in her noble cause of promoting, protecting, and preserving the rights, interests, and well-being of women and children through the use of legal framework and advocacy to ensure that they live free from all forms of discrimination, violence, and abuse in the society and to realize their potentials.
#DigitalGeneration. Happy Celebrations
Signed:
Rhoda Prevail Tyoden
Country Vice President/National President
FIDA Nigeria
Eliana Martins
National Publicity Secretary
FIDA Nigeria
FIDA Abuja Commemorates International Day of the Girl Child 2021
In commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child 2021, themed “Digital Generation-Our Generation”, FIDA (Nigeria), Abuja Branch paid an Advocacy outreach to Government Secondary School Tudun Wada, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja.
The outreach was premised on seeking ways to address the gender digital divide experienced by today’s generation of girls, by illustrating that we must take a strong generational gender lens to the digital divide if we are to achieve meaningful and sustainable change for a digital revolution.
FIDA Plateau Held A Sensitization Campaign On Socio-Cultural Norms And Vices That Perpetuate GBV
Eliminating violence against women and girls requires a community-based, multi-dimensional approach (sensitization/campaigns), and sustained engagement with multiple stakeholders.
FIDA Nigeria, Plateau State branch; with support from the Ford Foundation, on September 23rd and 25th, took to the streets of Mangun Community, Mangu L.G.A and Gyel Community, Jos South L.G.A of Plateau State to sensitize a larger populace in the beneficiary communities on socio-cultural norms and vices that perpetuate gender-based violence as well as subjugate the rights of women and girls in these communities.
FIDA Team in the company of each community’s SGBV Surveillance Team participated in the walk, distributing pamphlets, while addressing issues peculiar to each community, educating the populace on the effects of these acts on the victim, community, and society at large; and possible sanctions against a perpetrator.