by FIDACourtesy Visit from Solidarity Center
Yesterday, FIDA Nigeria received A delegation from Solidarity center on a courtesy visit with the Regional Coordinator (Sub Sahara Africa) @jacquelinewamai the visit was aimed at introducing the International Lawyers Assisting Workers Network (ILAW) also learn about FIDA’s key areas of interest.
by FIDAFIDA Uyo Marks International Day of the Boy Child 2022
On Monday 16th of May, 2022, FIDA Uyo marked the International Day of the Boy Child at the St. Brian Model School, Dominic Utuk Avenue, Uyo, which is a Boys’ School. The event targeted boys in SS1 – SS3 because they are in their adolescent years and would be in higher institutions soon, hence the need to equip them with the right information early to assist them to make correct choices.
Addressing this year’s theme: Boosting Optimism, Restoring Self-Worth various speakers made impactful presentations on different topics derived from the theme. The first speaker who is an Engineer and a businessman – Engr. Mfonabasi Asuquo, spoke on Career Development. The second male speaker Barr. Anietie Bassey equally imparted the boys on vices that jeopardize the future, sex education and how to manage sexual urges.
The anchor person Mrs. Sifon Akpaetor equally gave inputs while anchoring the event. Also at the event was the first female NBA Uyo chairperson, Barr. Eno-obong Akpan who gave a brief presentation on bullying and teasing which could lead to depression or suicidal thoughts. Finally, the Chairperson of FIDA Uyo, Bar. (Mrs) Iquo Abia, counselled on the importance of good behaviour citing laws against criminality and the need for them to be responsible in order not to be caught by the law.
Responding, the Head Boy of the school articulately gave a vote of thanks on behalf of the students. In addition, the school counselor Dr. Elizabeth Umoh thanked FIDA for choosing St. Brian school to mark this year’s International Day of the Boy Child and appealed that the event should be sustained to keep encouraging the boys.
The principal of the school Mr. Brian Edem commended FIDA Uyo for the initiative to visit the school to mark the International Day of the Boy Child.
The event came to an end with FIDA Uyo Branch presenting gift items to the students and some of the teachers who were in attendance.
by FIDAFIDA Eket Commemorates International Day of the Boy Child
In commemoration of the International Day of the Boy child, FIDA Eket on the 16th of May 2022 took her Advocacy to two Secondary Schools in Eket Local Government Area. St Francis Secondary School Ikot Ataku and Government Secondary School Afaha Eket were beneficiaries and focus was on the boys in SS1- SS3
The Boys were sensitized on this year’s theme Boosting Optimism, Restoring self-worth.
The celebration of the International Day of the Boy Child is not to remove focus from the girl child but to groom, nurture and mentor the boys to become better brothers, fathers, and husbands in the future.
The boy child must learn self-worth, to love and believe in themselves, and with focus and determination they can achieve their future goals.
The Speakers Yinka Gbadamosi Esq. and Soporochukwu Esq. Spoke extensively on the need for the boys to shun cultism, drug abuse, and all forms of negative vices that can deter them from achieving their goals.
The chairperson of FIDA Eket Mojisola Tijani Esq while speaking to the boys urged them to be optimistic, believe in themselves, and maintain a positive mindset in order to grow into responsible adults.
The principals of both Schools were extremely grateful and commended the effort of FIDA NIGERIA EKET BRANCH stating that the visit was a timely intervention and encouraged us to keep on with the mentorship program.
It was truly a successful program because at the end of the session, the boys looked happy and felt loved especially when they received their gifts.
by FIDAFIDA Ekiti Participated in a One-day Training for Domestic Observers
FIDA Ekiti participated in a one-day training for domestic observers, organized by Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, on the 14th of May 2022 at Eleventh House Hotel, Ado Ekiti. As domestic Observers on the field, the branch received training on what’s required of the forthcoming elections on 18th June 2022
As observers, the trainees were admonished to keep their eyes on the political system but must not be partisan. The work of an observer starts from the inception of the election process till the end of the election day.
Also taught at the training was the importance of neutrality as a very crucial tool because there is a threshold for every election and an election that does not reach its threshold will be categorized as not free and fair. Observation must be done from the field and not from home.
There was training on incident reporting and escalation of issues, stimulation exercises, and role-play. At the end of the session, trainees were given the opportunity to ask questions. The training was robust and educative
FIDA Ekiti is willing and ready as unbiased observers.
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Vehemently Condemns the Killing of Deborah Yakubu A Student of Shehu Shagari College of Education in Sokoto
A truly sad day when another young person is killed publicly in her prime through extra-judicial means
As a nation we must respect and value human life, FIDA Nigeria is greatly saddened by the reported gruesome killing and burning of Deborah Yakubu, a 200-level Home Economics student of Shehu Shagari College of Education in Sokoto, North-West Nigeria.
Reports suggest that she was violently stoned to death and later set ablaze by the angry mob, who are mostly students of the college because of her beliefs. FIDA Nigeria strongly condemns this condemnable Act.
Section 33(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (CFRN), 1999, provides that “every person has a right to life, and no one shall be deprived intentionally of his life, save in execution of the sentence of a court in respect of a criminal offense of which he has been found guilty in Nigeria”.
Furthermore, Section 38(1) of the Constitution makes provision for the citizen’s ‘freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, including the freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom (either alone or in community with others, and in public or private) to manifest and propagate his religion or belief in worship, teaching, practice, and observance.’
FIDA loudly calls for urgent action to investigate this deplorable incident and to hold those responsible to account. We must work together to ensure that all offenders are brought to justice and adequately punished in line with our laws, so it serves as a deterrent to others.
Government must as part of its responsibilities carry out aggressive advocacy and sensitization programs to educate the society about these rights and freedoms every Nigerian is entitled to enjoy, stressing respect for individual rights, cooperation, understanding, and tolerance
FIDA sincerely commiserates with the family of Ms. Deborah.
FIDA Nigeria remains committed to the promotion, protection, and preservation of the rights of women and children in Nigeria. We exercise our mandate through the provision of free legal representation for indigent women and children and also by advocating for gender-friendly reforms of the law.
JusticeForDeborah
Signed:
Mrs. Amina Suzanah Agbaje
Country Vice President/National President
FIDA Nigeria
by FIDAFIDA Ekiti Partners African Mental Health Alliance
On the 13th of May 2022, FIDA Ekiti partnered with African Mental Health Alliance to organize a lecture and walk-in Ekiti State. The lecture titled ‘Trauma care is a community care’ was delivered by Prof Dotun Merino a seasoned expert on trauma care. She is the President of AMHA and JARS Education and Psychological Firm Nig.
After the lecture, a walk tagged ‘Community trauma Awareness Walk’ was embarked on, and participants walked through the town sensitizing the populace on mental awareness. The walk ended at the Ekiti State House of Assembly, where the Honourable Speaker addressed all the participants, he informed them that, the state has already passed the Mental Health Law, 2020 and the House is ready to collaborate further on any matter relating to the well-being of the people of the State. He also pledged further that, the House is willing to entertain amendments in the Law, to meet up international standards.
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Organises a Capacity Building Workshop for Fifty (50) Traditional & Faith Leaders On SGBV, CEFM & CTIP Response Strategies
FIDA Nigeria in collaboration with Palladium under the SCALE (Strengthening Civil Advocacy & Local Engagement) Project which is being supported by USAID is strengthening the capacity of fifty (50) traditional and faith Leaders on SGBV, CEFM & CTIP prevention and response strategies across twenty-four (24) local communities where these issues are prevalent.
In a statement by her Programme Manager, Mr. Fikih Obaro, he stated that these training will hold in the month of May 2022 in Delta and the Federal Capital Territory and is meant to increase gender-sensitive information and awareness-raising on the menace because Traditional and Faith Leaders are uniquely placed to prevent SGBV & CEFM where they are domiciled, given their understanding of the local context, and having native knowledge of predisposing factors & practices that encourage and allow SGBV, CEFM, and TIP to thrive. These 24 communities cut across six states namely Delta, Bauchi, Katsina, Ebonyi, Federal Capital Territory, and Osun States respectively.
It is our expectation that at the end of this training workshop, traditional and Faith Leaders will be well equipped to serve as advocates and paralegals which will transcend in the development of byelaws in preventing this menace. Furthermore, they will be able to institutionalize and establish coordinated response and referral pathways in tandem with Law Enforcement agencies towards ensuring arrests and prosecution of perpetrators of these crimes, while working with state actors to create a gender sensitive& protective environment for survivors.
Amina Suzanah Agbaje (Mrs)
Country Vice President/National President
by FIDAValediction: FIDA celebrates with Justice Mary Peter Odili
By Lillian Okenwa
Along with dignitaries from all walks of life, members of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria turned out in their numbers to grace the valedictory session of Hon. Justice Mary Peter Odili who bowed out of the Supreme Court of Nigeria on Thursday, May 12, 2022.
Mary Ukaego Peter Odili, the third woman to ascend the Supreme Court bench in Nigeria is the pioneer Chairperson of FIDA Nigeria Rivers state.
From a lowly Magistrate Grade 3 in 1978, Justice Odili, daughter of a former Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Owerri Branch, Eze Bernard Nzenwa, rose to the highest court in the land — the Supreme Court of Nigeria — in 2011.
Below are photos of the event.
by FIDACourtesy Visit to NDLEA
FIDA Nigeria led by her Country Vice/National President (CVP) Amina Suzanah Agbaje, on Tuesday 11th May 2022, paid a courtesy visit to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) headquarters in Abuja. the team was received by the DG NDLEA Brig. Gen Buba Marwa (Rtd) and other staff of the agency.
In her speech, the CVP reiterated the need for the visit as it has become imperative to maintain a cordial relationship with the NDLEA seeing that the agency has done exceptionally well in curbing the menace of drug abuse in Nigeria. The DG on his part appreciated the courtesy visit and assured FIDA Nigeria of a robust and effective collaboration between the two bodies.
by FIDAFIDA Abuja Advocacy Outreach
On the 2nd of May 2022, FIDA Abuja branch ably led by the Chairperson Ms. Chibuzo M. Nwosu, successfully carried out an advocacy outreach at the Chief of Karu’s Palace Dr. Emmanuel Kyauta Yepwi JP the Saka Ruyi of Karu FCT, Abuja, to sensitize members of the Community of Karu on the provisions of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP).
It was an eventful outing as the members of the community expressed their gratitude on FIDA’s visit
