by FIDAInternational Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
Theme: “Addressing drug challenges in health and humanitarian crises”
To commemorate this year’s International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, FIDA Nigeria raises a huge RED FLAG and calls for prompt action by all key actors and stakeholders.
It is pertinent to note that the UN now classifies the menace of Drug abuse and illicit trafficking as a ‘disturbing obstruction to the achievement of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals’, particularly Goals 3 on health and Goal 16 on peaceful societies.
As such drug abuse and illicit trafficking are no longer seen as minuscule factors affecting development in society, but a huge menace to the attainment of a peaceful and developed society with a healthy populace.
The key purpose of the commemoration on the 26th of June annually, of this day, (also known as World Drug Day), is to raise awareness of the major dilemma that illicit drugs represent to society, and to increase action and collaboration in the pursuit of a world free of drug abuse.
In Nigeria with the insecurities across the nation fueled by multiple social, economic, political challenges of all dimensions, not to mention tribal and religious conflicts which also abound with a lot of out-of-school children, and youths in our communities. Our porous borders and inability to control armed men attacking communities and inflicting untold hardship on them further aggravates the situation.
These attacks and the resultant insecurities have displaced millions of people, devastated agricultural production and other livelihoods, cut off essential services, and caused a crisis of protection. The frustrations are indeed immense, cutting across all genders and communities in the country with no early end to the conflict foreseeable. Reliance on available drugs to escape one’s frustrations seems therefore an easy route to take
In Nigeria, over 2.1 million people or 300,000 households, are now internally displaced in northern Nigeria, according to IOM’s Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM). The resultant effect is a humanitarian crises situation which must be addressed Now!
Populations affected by humanitarian emergencies are particularly vulnerable to substance (alcohol and other drug) use and its disorders, yet treatment and prevention services are very scarce. The different types of substances usually abused are readily available and easily purchasable. This is wrong and aggressive intervention is necessary with the collaborative effort of all key players.
Drug
misuse is a traumatic experience for both the addict and his or her family and
friends, who may feel helpless in the face of the sickness. Addiction to any substance, whether legal or illegal, can in some cases lead to serious health conditions. Certain
medications could alter the structure and functioning of
the brain. It impacts an individual’s self-control and interferes with the capacity to resist the impulse to consume the substance after repeated use.
We find that under the influence of drugs, most members of the society exhibit irrational behaviour, cause conflicts, overreact on issues, as they lack capacity and the control to do things right. Consequently, in a society where all age groups are susceptible to drug abuse, the above poses a serious dilemma.
We also acknowledge that massive humanitarian problems persist in Afghanistan, Ukraine, and other parts of the world, while the COVID-19 pandemic remains a huge worldwide health disaster. People all over the globe are in desperate need; from war zones to the refugee camps, to communities shattered by violence.
FIDA therefore raises this red flag to advocate alongside the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime, on the urgent need to preserve the right to health for the most vulnerable in our communities, including children and youth, drug users, persons with drug use disorders, and persons who require access to regulated medicines.
We must intervene now to make our world safe, peaceful with continuous progressive development. We must all work together as collaborators, share genuine information about the drug issue, from health dangers to solutions to the global drug epidemic, as well as evidence-based prevention, treatment, and care services in times of crisis.
FIDA Nigeria calls on ALL, to recognize and properly address the growing menace of illegal drug availability, its abuse and illicit trafficking challenges. More must be done regarding the prevention, rehabilitation and reintegration of drug abusers into society.
Let us we work collectively to keep our children, youths and communities safe from exposure to drug use, drug abuse, and drug trade/trafficking activities, as we strive to prevent further humanitarian crises within our country, particularly as we mark another International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
FIDA Nigeria emphatically says NO to Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking!!!
#CareInCrises #Notodrugabuse
#Fidanigeria
Signed:
Mrs. Amina Suzanah Agbaje
Country Vice President/National President FIDA Nigeria.
by FIDAFIDA Rivers Celebrated the International Widows Day With Over 30 Widows at St Barnabas Anglican Church, Bundu Ama Community
FIDA Rivers State, on the 23rd of June 2022, celebrated the International Widows Day with over 30 Widows at St Barnabas Anglican Church, Bundu Ama Community of Rivers State.
The event featured lectures from Guest speaker and past Chairperson, Hon. Dame Aleruchi Cookey-Gam on the theme “Sustainable Solutions for Widows Financial Independence” and the rights of a widow presented by the Branch’s treasurer, Mrs. Erefaka Dumotari Boma.
The women were also taught Food Processing as a means of generating income for themselves by Mrs. Briggs Okorite Yobo and Liquid soap making by Mrs. Daba Iketubosin.
Foodstuffs, wrappers, and cash token were presented to the Widows. The widows were overwhelmed with joy and thanked FIDA for choosing to come to their church for the program
by FIDAFIDA Lagos Calls for the Enforcement of Relevant Laws and Regulations that Protect the Rights of Widows.
FIDA Lagos lends her voice to mark the Internation Widows’ Day 2022 calls for the enforcement of relevant laws and regulations that protect the rights of widows. The branch emphasized the need for Programmes and policies aimed at ending violence against widows and their children, poverty alleviation, education and other support to widows of all ages.
Discrimination and harmful practices must stop. Let us be intentional in the empowerment of widows to support themselves and their families and address social stigma. This should be the ultimate of every nation for sustainable development.
FIDA Lagos marked the International Widows Day with some widows from the Kosofe Community, sensitizing them on their legal rights and the role of the family in helping them buffer the stigma and the financial gap created by the death of their husbands at the FIDA secretariat.
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Cultural Night at the 2nd Quarter NEC Meeting, Bauchi
The event was hosted by the First Lady of Bauchi State, Dr. Aishatu Bala Mohammed at the Banquet Hall, Government House on Wednesday 22nd of June 2022.
It was indeed a colorful night as delegates flooded the venue in their beautiful traditional outfits representing the different regions of Nigeria.
The audience were enlightened on the rich cultural heritage of the Bauchi people, tribes, languages, foods etc. While to the cultural troupe entertained in their different regalia showcasing different tribal dance steps. It proved very colourful and entertaining.
Featured that night were also dance performances from FIDANs in three segments representing the North, west and southern region
Guests were also treated to lovely delicacies from the state
by FIDAContinuing Legal Education Session FIDA Nigeria NEC Meeting
Day 2: Following the opening ceremony, the business session commenced with Continuing Legal Education for FIDANs where in presentations were made by different FIDA Executive at the State and National levels. The sessions was anchored by the National Publicity Secretary FIDA Nigeria Mrs. Christy Oyanvutu.
To build the capacity of participants a range of Topical issues were discussed including:
- Overview of the leadership training by Beatrice Awah, Assistant National Secretary
- Mediation, Counselling and Advocacy by Hon. Ruqayya Ibrahim Kewa, FIDA Bauchi PRO
- Operational Plan & SWOT (Personal and Branch) by Safiya Musa Salihu, FIDA Bauchi Treasurer
- Effective Mechanisms for conflict resolution between members & branches by Elizabeth Okotie, FIDA Gombe
- The specifics of effective communication skills by Nachamada Shaltha, Assistant National Publicity Secretary
- Overview of SOP on Case Management; case database and uploading cases by Evelyn Asimiea, DCVP
- Overview of SOP on Multiple Branches within a State by Eliana Martins, National Secretary
- Overview of SOP on Finance by Chineze Obianyo Fin Sec
- Overview of on-going Projects and implementation by Fikih Obaro, Programme Manager
- Navigating Branch Portals & Use of social media platforms by Truman Tyoden, Communications/IT Officer 2
The sessions were interactive
To round off activities for the Day was a surprise presentation of a birthday cake and gift for the Program Manager FIDA Nigeria Mr. Fikih Obaro, as the house sang him a birthday song.
The CVP Emeritus, Rhoda Prevail on behalf of FIDA Nigeria did a presentation to the Celebrant. It was a fun-filled afternoon.
by FIDAFormal Opening Ceremony 2nd Quarter NEC Meeting
The formal Opening Ceremony of the FIDA Nigeria Second Quarter National Executive Council Meeting was held on the 22nd of June, 2022, at Command Guest House, Bauchi State. The Chairperson of FIDA Bauchi, Fatima Abubakar as Hostess, warmly welcomed all to Bauchi State.
In her Address, the Country Vice President (CVP) FIDA Nigeria Amina Suzanah Agbaje appreciated the state government for the support FIDA Bauchi has enjoyed since its inauguration. She acknowledged and most especially appreciated H.E the Wife of the Governor of Bauchi State Hajia Aisha Bala Muhammad for the key role she played towards the establishment of the state branch and continuous support. She similarly acknowledged all key stakeholders for their efforts.
The CVP appealed for more support for the young branch to get it working optimally in achieving set objectives
In attendance were special guests including: the Secretary to the State Government Alh Hashimu Ibrahim SSA Political, representative of the Speaker Bauchi State House of Assembly Hon Musa Wakili Nakwada, the Representative of the Chief Judge of Bauchi State Hon. Justice Fatima Jibrin
The Representative of the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Bauchi State Shawanatu Yusuf, the Representative of the Emir Alh Usaini Jibo Dan Saran Bauchi, UNFPA Coordinator Bauchi State Mrs Ladi Alabi, Commissioner of Police Bauchi State Command Umar Sanda Mamman, the Chairman NBA Bauchi Branch Jibrin Sa’id Jibrin also, the Representative of the Commandant of Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps Bauchi state Nurudeen Abdulahi.
The Event was declared opened by the Representative of the Chief Judge Hon. Justice Fatima Jibrin. Afterwards, a Keynote Address was delivered on ‘’Bauchi State Child Protection Bill: The Need to Pass the Law’’ presented by Dr. Umar Alkali a UNICEF consultant and Assoc. Prof. Faculty of Law, University of Maiduguri.
Goodwill Messages were received from well-wishers and partners amongst which were the NBA, Royal Father and the SSG Representative Alh. Hashimu Yakubu who assured FIDA of support from the state executive. The opening ceremony concluded with exchange of pleasantries amongst members and above all a great expectation on the events to follow.
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria NEC Cocktail Party
FIDA Nigeria NEC Meeting Delegates were warmly welcomed to Bauchi and hosted to a beautiful Cocktail by the host branch FIDA Bauchi. The NBA Bauchi Chairman Jibrin Sa’id Jibrin and members of the Executive were also on hand to support the occasion as they welcomed delegates from over twenty-eight states of Nigeria to Bauchi.
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Outreach to Bauchi State Correctional Centre
FIDA Nigeria as part of her 2nd Quarter National Executive Council Meeting Activities was hosted by her Bauchi State Branch, ably led by the Chairperson Fatima Abubakar.
The line-up of activities commenced on Tuesday, the 21st of June 2022 with an outreach to the Bauchi State Correctional Centre where FIDA working in collaboration with her partners namely, Al-Muhibbah Foundation, Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Self-discovery Empowerment Foundation, Medical Women Association of Nigeria Bauchi and Attah Sisters Helping Hands Foundation visited the Bauchi Custodial Centre.
Legal Clinics were held where cases of inmates were taken, psychosocial support and medical aid was also given particularly for the female inmates.
The First Lady of Bauchi State (Dr) Aisha Bala Mohammed, Founder of Al-Muhibbah Foundation, who is most passionate about support to the less privileged in our society was present with a large entourage which included the Deputy Governor’s wife Hajiya Aishatu Alhaji Baba Tela and wife of the SSG Hajiya Habiba Ibrahim Kasim. Words of encouragement and prayers were offered while necessary items such as toiletries and other materials were donated.
Furthermore, we ensured the release of some inmates by the payment of fines, fulfilment of bail conditions and so forth
At the end of the outreach, inmates expressed immense gratitude for the interventions while airing out on some of the challenges they faced with the legal processes/ system, the available infrastructure and inadequate facilities of the prison service.
They however commended the personnel ably led by the Controller DCC Aminu Yusuf whom they said were doing a great job nevertheless.
The FIDA Nigeria CVP, Amina Agbaje sincerely appreciated all support and interventions
by FIDACapacity Building Workshop for Judges, Judicial and Legal Officers on Countering Trafficking-in-Persons, Bauchi State
FIDA Nigeria conducted a four-day capacity-building workshop in Bauchi, Bauchi State for judges, judicial and legal officers drawn from the judiciary, and the ministry of justice across Bauchi and Katsina States respectively in the Northern region. The workshop which held between 20th -23rd June 2022 at Chartwell Hotel & Suites Bauchi, Bauchi State was centered on Countering Trafficking-in-Person.
The workshop was organized with the intention of strengthening the capacities of judges, judicial and legal officers in the North to diligently prosecute and adjudicate in cases bordering on issues of trafficking-in-persons in their various capacities towards ensuring improved justice delivery in Nigeria. The workshop which spanned a 4-day period included different activities such as training sessions manned by facilitators, group presentations, focus group discussions, questions, feedback, networking, training pre and post-evaluation, and ice-breaker sessions. FIDA Nigeria employed a peer-learning and highly interactive approach to effectively actualize the objective of the workshop.
At the end of the workshop the capacity of the judges, judicial and legal officers to diligently prosecute, prevent & respond to cases of trafficking-in-persons in their various states was enhanced. Certificates of recognition was also issued to the participants at the end of the activities.
by FIDAFIDA Cross Rivers Held a 2-day Capacity Building Workshop on GRB
FIDA Cross River State on the 16th and 17th of June 2022, held her United Nations Spotlight Initiative Project Phase 2 Inception Meeting and a Capacity Building Workshop on Gender Responsive Budgeting for 33 women’s and girls’ rights advocates across the State
The outcomes of the Workshop were:
1. Introduction of the project to the selected women’s and girls’ rights advocates and CSOs.
2. An elicited commitment by these groups of individuals to support the Project.
3. Built and strengthened capacities of the selected advocates on gender-responsive budgeting as a tool for addressing VAWG/SGBV/HP.
4. Identification of cohort members in preparation for the Joint Advocacy Activity to be held subsequently on the project.
It was indeed a successful outing
