Day 2: NEC Meeting
Day 2 of the FIDA NEC Meeting which held in Anambra State on the 27th of May 2021, started with an intriguing and educative Leadership training session on “Organizational Effectiveness” presented by the National Secretary, FIDA Nigeria – Mrs. Evelyn Asimiea.
Furthermore, in commemoration of the 2021 Children’s Day Celebration, members thereafter visited the Faith Community Children’s Home to add some cheer and excitement in celebrating the children there.
The major highlight of the evening was the beautiful cultural display and presentations by the different Fida branches; it truly proved very colorful and entertaining
FIDA Abuja Visit’s Orphanage home in Karu, FCT
In celebration of Nigerian Children on this day which is an annual event on May 27th and in continuation of the Law Week of the International Federation of Women Lawyers- FIDA (Nigeria) Abuja Branch, as part of FIDA’s mandate to children, paid a visit to the Orphanage home in Karu, FCT. The home at the material time has 67 children with the youngest being a 2 months old baby.
FIDA Abuja celebrated the children’s day with them by donating gifts which included several boxes of clothes, shoes, foodstuffs, toiletries, diapers, etc all donated by members of the Branch. Also, enlightened them about their rights as enshrined in the Child Rights Act.
DAY 1: FIDA Nigeria NEC Meeting
FIDA Nigeria, at the first quarter meeting of the National Executive Committee, in Anambra State on the 26th of May, 2021; held a review and appraisal session of its 5-year strategic plan. The session was chaired by the National Secretary, FIDA Nigeria- Mrs. Evelyn Asimiea. Representatives of states’ branches were present at the session. Thereafter, it was followed by a cocktail party.
FIDA Abuja Visit to Suleija Correctional Centre
FIDA (Nigeria) Abuja Branch commenced her 2021 Law Week on the 20th of May with a visit to the Suleja Correctional Centre where a free legal Clinic for 31 female inmates comprising of 3 nursing mothers (with 3 toddlers) and 1 pregnant woman was conducted. Welfare packages comprising of toiletries, beverages, diapers, clothing items, foodstuffs, etc. were also distributed.
FIDA Nigeria held a capacity-building workshop at Obadore community, Alimosho Local Government Area, Lagos State
FIDA Nigeria, Lagos State branch, with the support of Ford Foundation, held a capacity building workshop themed, “Elimination of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) through effective implementation of the VAPP ACT 2015 and the Protection Against Domestic Violence law of the State 2007” at Obadore community, Alimosho Local Government Area, Lagos State on the 5th of May, 2021.
Highlights of the workshop were discussions on sexual violence, discriminatory traditional or cultural practices in the community and provisions in the VAPP Act and Lagos State Domestic Violence Law that outlines punitive measures for perpetrators
FIDA Conducts a 2-day Training Workshop on Elimination of GBV in Plateau State
On the 3rd and 4th of May 2021, FIDA Plateau, with the support of Ford Foundation, successfully implemented a 2-day Stakeholders workshop themed, “Elimination of Sexual and Gender-based Violence through Effective Implementation of the VAPP Act 2015 and other related Laws Protecting the Rights of Women and Girls in Plateau State”, Bukuru Gyel Community, Jos South L.G.A of Plateau State.
Outcomes of the workshop using stakeholders feedback methods include:
*An increased awareness of women’s rights.
*An improved awareness of GBV issues in relation to cultural, religious, and social practices within the community.
*A realization by stakeholders who doubles as the community’s gatekeepers on the need to promote attitudinal change within the community.
The Workshop spurred the need to generate strategies to mitigate acts of GBV within the community. A Gyel Community GBV Advocate Team was formed as a reinforcement to the Surveillance Team that was established earlier on the project.
In addition, the team developed an action plan to serve as a guide towards the actualization of ending the menace of GBV and the improvement of women’s rights within the community.
FIDA NIGERIA REFUTES SMEAR CAMPAIGN ALLEGATIONS IN DELTA STATE
The attention of FIDA Nigeria has been drawn to a statement issued by Ken Orusi, Media Assistant to Olorogun Barr. Kenneth Gbagi, published in NDM News Xclusive on 14th April 2021 alleging sponsorship of FIDA Delta to carry out protests, hold rallies and mislead the public through smear campaigns targeted against the Gubernatorial Aspirant in Delta State, Olorogun Barr. Kenneth Gbagi.
We state categorically that FIDA is an honourable non-political NGO with set standards, values, systems and processes and cannot engage in any dishonourable conduct nor be drawn into the political antics playing out in Delta State
We have not been sponsored to engage in any smear campaign against anyone, nor paid to carry out any dishonourable act. As professionals, we abhor such conduct and refute all these allegations asking for the strictest proof.
The correct facts are that FIDA Delta is engaged in ensuring that justice is secured for the harassed, violated staff of the said Olorogun and the legal matter being in court is subjudice.
We urge all key persons handling the different aspects of this matter not to be distracted by the allegations and innuendos but to carry out their professional duties to the best of their abilities
We demand a retraction of this statement and a published apology to FIDA as there is no merit to this.
We believe that the maker of the statement is aware of the consequences of his action.
Signed for FIDA Nigeria:
Rhoda Prevail Tyoden
Country Vice President/National President
FIDA Nigeria
Eliana Martins
National publicity secretary
FIDA Nigeria
FIDA NIGERIA CALLS FOR JUSTICE FOR LATE ADAEZE IKPEAMA, A PREGNANT FEMALE LAWYER
FIDA is distraught by the news of the death of ADAEZE IKPEAMA, a pregnant Lawyer who was allegedly killed by her husband Mr. Anthony Ikpeama
Social media is filled with the news of how our deceased colleague has suffered domestic abuse almost immediately after her marriage and this has finally resulted in her death. We are more heartbroken to hear that two little children are going to suffer this pain of the loss of a mother as well as her family.
FIDA has continued to cry out to all women and children to seek help in such situations to avoid such a tragic end.
FIDA says Enough is Enough! This needless gender-based violence and killings must stop and all perpetrators brought to book.
What a travesty that a wife cannot feel safe in her home because of domestic abuse; that she cannot protect and carry her unborn child to full term; that the unborn child cannot be guaranteed life, birthed and celebrated as part of our future generation; that her spouse who should protect mother and child is the aggressor whom they fear most and it is indeed at his hand that they allegedly die.
There is simply no justification for such behavior. Society should not find this behavior acceptable; it is intolerable! This is certainly not a ‘family matter’ that can be settled or swept under the carpet under the guise of ‘Devil’s Folly’
We thank the Nigeria Police who has assisted in arresting the suspect – her husband and FIDA appeals for a thorough investigation to ensure effective prosecution. We are confident that justice will be served by the court with the maximum sentence, which will serve as a deterrent to others. All relevant key stakeholders’ must ensure speedy access to justice for Adaeze and her unborn child.
FIDA once more appeal to all to always engage in peaceful ways of communication and conflict resolution despite the frustrations and challenges of life, violence is never the solution.
Everyone going through any form of abuse or violation should please speak out, FIDA and several other organizations have their doors open to assist you, do not die in silence, there is no shame in seeking help.
FIDA Nigeria commiserates with her family at this time of such a colossal loss; as we pay tribute to a fallen colleague and mother of two beautiful children.
There must be Justice for Adaeze and her unborn child.
#justiceforAdaeze
Signed for FIDA Nigeria
Rhoda Prevail Tyoden
Country Vice President/National President
FIDA Nigeria
Eliana Martins
National publicity secretary
FIDA Nigeria
FIDA Abia Sensitization Visit to Ohafia LGA of Abia State
On the 25th day of March 2021, FIDA Nigeria Abia State branch with support from MacArthur Foundation went on a community sensitization outreach to Asaga community, in Ohafia LGA of Abia State, on the provisions of the Administrative of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 using the simplified IGBO version
This intervention was to sensitize 40 members of the community, mostly indigent women on the existence and key provisions of the ACJA.
News Rebuttal
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) wishes to rebut a statement accredited to it in a recent press release by the Nation Newspaper titled ‘RIVERS LAWYERS KICK OVER WIKE’S ALLEGED PLAN TO IMPOSE CJ’ dated March 23, 2021.
One Chinyere Okoroafor asserted that a group under the aegis of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) asked Governor Wike not to approve the recommendation and appointment of Justice Simeon Amadi as Chief Judge.
We categorically state that the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) did not at any time release such a statement neither did we authorize any of our Officers both at the National and Branch levels to issue such a statement. We, therefore, disassociate ourselves with this press release. FIDA undertakes due diligence in airing her view and always prefer the option of dialogue before the release of a press statement.
We, therefore, appeal to the public and all persons mentioned in the press release to note this rebuttal.
Signed
For FIDA Nigeria
Rhoda Prevail Tyoden.
National President.
Eliana Martins
National Publicity Secretary