by adminFIDA Nigeria Side Event at the 63rd NBA Annual General Conference
The parallel event of FIDA Nigeria which took place during the pendency of the 63rd Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference held on the 30th of August 2023 at Moshood Abiola National Stadium Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, with the Theme ”Getting It Right: Women As Agents Of Change In Nation Building-Making A Case For The Nigerian Woman”
In her opening remarks, the Country Vice President/National President FIDA Nigeria Amina Suzanah Agbaje noted that “In the grand tapestry of Nigerian history, women have always been present, silently shaping the destiny of our nation. They have stood as pillars of strength, demonstrating resilience in the face of challenges, and nurturing the seeds of progress within our communities. However, it is time we give Women the recognition we truly deserve, as agents of change in nation-building.”
The plenary session had a line up of erudite guest speakers including Ene Obi, immediate Past Country Director, Action Aid Nigeria; Johnson J. Usman SAN, Principal Partner, J.J Usman SAN and co.; and Oluwatoyosi Giwa, Project Manager, Access to Justice for Women, Children and Persons with Disabilities for the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) programme. It was moderated by Chisom Ihekwaba, co-founder of Sisters’ Bond Initiative.
In attendance were notable personalities which included member Board of Trustees FIDA Nigeria Prof Jummai Audi; Past Regional Vice Presidents Chief (Mrs.) Victoria Olufunmilayo Awomolo SAN and Hajiya Laraba Shuaibu; Past Country Vice President FIDA Nigeria Rhoda Prevail Tyoden; National Secretary Eliana Martins; National Asst. Publicity Secretary Shaltha Nachamada; Members of the National Executive Council of FIDA Nigeria; Chairman, Nigerian Law Reform Commission; FIDA Members and a host of other dignitaries and delegates.
It was a well-attended event that sparked off enlightening, incisive and highly interactive discussions on the various ways women’s numerous contributions and the invaluable role they play as agents of change, shape and transform the trajectory of nation-building.
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by adminFormal Opening Ceremony FIDA Africa Regional Congress 2023
The formal Opening Ceremony of the FIDA Africa Regional Congress was held on the 23rd of August, 2023 and it was an incredible success! 🌟✨ FIDA Nigeria had an amazing time as the host nation setting the stage for an unforgettable experience. Here are some of the highlights:
🔹 Beautiful Warm Welcome Remark: The FIDA Regional Vice President (North and West Africa), Mrs. Joy Ejim (formerly Joy Ezeigbo) kicked off the ceremony wherein she expressed gratitude to all the delegates, partners, sponsors, and attendees! 🙏
A powerful goodwill message from the President of FIDA International, Carolina Rios Villota was delivered by FIDA International Director, Ezinwa Okoroafor.
🔹 Inspiring Keynote Address: by Her Excellency Erelu Bisi Fayemi, Former First Lady Ekiti State who delivered a powerful keynote address, on – ”Digital Technology and Gender Equality: Maputo Protocol and African Women In Focus”!🗣️💡
🔹 Chairperson of the 2023 FIDA African Regional Congress: Beatrice Eyong, UN Women Resident Representative to Nigeria & ECOWAS was the Chair of the 2023 FIDA Africa Regional Congress🙏
🔹 Dignitaries Present: The opening ceremony which was moderated by Rhoda Prevail Tyoden (CVP emerita), had in attendance a lot of distinguished dignitaries including the FIDA Africa Regional Vice Presidents (North and West Africa), Joy Ejim (formerly Joy Ezeigbo) and FIDA Africa Regional Vice President (East and Southern Region) Laura Nyirinkindi (Co-host); UN Women Resident Representative to Nigeria & ECOWAS and Chair of the 2023 FIDA Africa Regional Congress, Beatrice Eyong; UN Representative FIDA International Hon. Inime Aguma; Member of the Board of Trustees FIDA Nigeria Prof. Jummai Audi; Past Regional Vice Presidents Mrs. Stella Omiyi, Hon. Justice Elsie Thompson, Mrs. Roseline O. Nwosu, Mrs. Ezinwa N. Okoroafor (FIDA International Director), Hajiya Laraba M. Shua’ibu, Chief (Mrs.) Victoria Awomolo, SAN; FIDA Nigeria Country Vice President Amina Suzanah Agbaje; FIDA Cameroun Country Vice President/FIDA International Historian, Gladys Mbuyah; Ethiopian Women Lawyers Association/FIDA Ethiopia Country Vice President, Lensa Biyena Geleta; President South African Women Lawyers Association/FIDA South Africa, Nomaswazi Shabangu-Mndawe; President Zanzibar Female Lawyers Association (ZAFELA) Jamila Mahmoud; President Cote D’Voire Women Lawyers Association Francine AKA Anghui; Executive Director Akina Mama wa Afrika, Eunice Musiime; FIDA Nigeria National Executive Committee and Council members; FIDA Patron and Chairman FIDA Africa Regional Congress 2023 Closing Dinner, Asiwaju Adegboyega Awomolo SAN; the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, OON, SAN, delegates and other very distinguished personalities and Gentlemen of the Press🎀✂️
🔹 Closing Remark: The opening ceremony ended on a high note with a Vote of Thanks by the Chairperson Planning Committee, Mrs. Eliana Martins, ably assisted by the Alternate Chairperson Planning Committee Mrs. Rekia R. Adejo Andrew.
🔹 Networking and Socializing: After the formal proceedings of the opening ceremony, delegates had the opportunity to network and socialize. It was an amazing medium that fostered further connection and engagement in meaningful discussions. 🤝🗣️
The opening ceremony was an incisive and powerful start to the 2023 FIDA Africa Regional Congress.
OpeningCeremony #FIDAAfricaCongress
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by adminFIDA Nigeria Inaugurates Suleja Branch
It is Official!!!!
A brand new Branch has been added to the growing number of FIDA Branches spread across the 36 states of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory. This is because on Tuesday, the 15th of August 2022, FIDA Nigeria inaugurated its 46th Branch, ”FIDA (Nigeria) Suleja Branch Niger State”
The inauguration took place at High Court 2, Suleja Niger State, and had in attendance several distinguished personalities including the Country Vice President FIDA Nigeria, Amina Suzanah Agbaje; the National Secretary Eliana Martins; National Asst. Publicity Secretary Shaltha Nachamada; CVP emerita Rhoda Prevail Tyoden; Zonal Coordinator FIDA North Central Zone, Hajiya Laraba Shuaibu; Chairperson emerita FIDA Abuja Branch Rekia Adejo-Andrew; Chairperson FIDA Minna Branch, His Worship Bilikisu Labaran Kago; the Sarauniyyan Zazzau Dr. Rahmatu Hassan (who doubled as a Matron of the Branch); the Area Commander Suleja Police Command ACP S.M Musa; Chairman NBA Suleja; Ibrahim Bako Esq, the Route Commander Federal Road Safety Corps; Bar leader P.U Ekwueme Esq., amongst several Magistrates, distinguished guests and FIDA members.
The induction of FIDA (Nigeria) Suleja Branch Niger State as the newest Branch of FIDA Nigeria, forms part of FIDA’s commitment to reaching grassroot communities while scaling up its objective of protecting, promoting and preserving the rights of women and children. The formal inauguration of the new Branch was carried out by the Country Vice President FIDA Nigeria, after which Branch officials were sworn in by His Worship Ruth Ibrahim Dauda.
The inauguration of the 46th Branch of FIDA Nigeria was a monumental success underscoring FIDA’s dedication to broadening the scope of provision of pro-bono legal services, particularly to the grassroots where it is much needed.
by adminFIDA Abuja Branch Partners FCT Health Department To Renovate Labor Ward-Gwarimpa General Hospital.
The Executive Committee FIDA Abuja, ably led by the Chairperson, Chibuzo M Nwosu, On the 3rd of August 2023, paid a follow-up advocacy visit to the office of the Secretary of the FCT Health Department. The meeting was in view of the previous meeting held on the 1st of August 2023, by the Health Department to address the challenges hindering the passage into law of the FCT Health Insurance Agency (Establishment) Bill.
The Chairperson, identifying the role of the FCT Health department in meeting the Branch’s 2023 Work plan, proposed a meeting with the office of the Secretary, which the Acting Secretary graciously approved, Mr. Malan Haruna Noël.
The Chairperson informed them of the Branch’s adoption of the Labor Ward of the Gwarimpa General Hospital as a FIDA Ward, detailing the activities of the Branch in this respect which includes the assessments of internal and external structures of the ward. She outlined to the Honorable Acting Secretary and his team, consisting of the Director General Hospitals Management Board, Dr. Mohammed B. Kawu, the Director of Special Duties, Dr. Matthew Ashikeni, and the Head, of Medical Services, Dr. Osagie Osawade, the deplorable state of the Ward- the worn out ceilings, leaking roofs, cracked walls, and damaged air-conditioners which the Branch observed at its 2022 Law Week event, necessitating FIDA’s intervention.
The Acting Secretary expressed shock and thanked FIDA Nigeria Abuja Branch immensely for bringing the issues to their attention. He appreciated FIDA for the humanitarian work it undertakes and expressed hope to build a partnership with the Branch in further identifying and reporting to the FCT Health Department other labor wards within the FCT for their immediate action.
In this vein, the Acting Secretary (AS) acceded to the Branch’s request for a partnership in renovating the Labour Ward, which required the repairs of the ceiling, roof, structural damages to the wall, and other ancillary repairs. The Chairperson submitted to the AS and his team, the estimates for repairs and the former accepted the proposals, affirming its intention to complete all renovations within the month of August 2023.
The Chairperson expressed gratitude and promised to visit other hospitals within the FCT administration for future collaborations.
