by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Mourns Victims of the Mokwa Floods, Calls for Urgent, Gender-Sensitive Humanitarian Response
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria is heartbroken over the tragic flood disaster that struck Mokwa, Niger State, on Thursday, May 29, 2025. Following a heavy downpour that began around 7:00 am, the town was submerged, claiming the lives of over 100 people—many of them women and children—and leaving thousands displaced.
Entire communities now lie in devastation. Homes have been washed away, families have been separated, and futures remain uncertain. The sorrow in Mokwa is profound, and the pain is real. Mothers are mourning their lost children. Families are seeking missing loved ones. Innocent lives have been cut short by a disaster they could not have prepared for.
The impact on women and children is particularly alarming. As the most vulnerable group in times of crisis, many women and children are now exposed to heightened risks of exploitation, abuse, and deep psychological trauma. Their safety, dignity, and well-being must be urgently prioritized.
FIDA Nigeria expresses its deepest condolences to the people of Mokwa and salutes the courage of survivors and first responders. We also commend the interventions of the Niger State Government, NEMA, and various humanitarian actors who are on ground.
However, the magnitude of this crisis demands a more coordinated, compassionate, and gender-sensitive response.
FIDA Nigeria calls on the government, civil society, development partners, and well-meaning Nigerians to:
• Prioritize the protection and needs of women and children in all response and recovery efforts.
• Provide legal aid and psychosocial support to survivors, particularly those who may be dealing with trauma, abuse, or displacement.
• Ensure adequate relief and shelter, with special attention to the health, safety, and dignity of women and girls.
• Include women’s voices in all stages of relief, rehabilitation, and long-term recovery planning.
In line with our mandate, FIDA Niger State Branch will be actively working with stakeholders to provide targeted legal and humanitarian support to affected women and children.
We mourn with Mokwa. We stand with its people. And we remain committed to doing our part to restore hope, uphold dignity, and ensure justice—especially for those who are often forgotten in times of crisis.
For FIDA Nigeria
Signed
Eliana Matins
Country Vice President
FIDA Nigeria
Chineze Obianyo
National Publicity Secretary
FIDA Nigeria
by FIDAFIDA Abia Partners with Abia State Ministry of Women Affairs for 2025 Children’s Day Celebration
FIDA Abia Partners with Abia State Ministry of Women Affairs for 2025 Children’s Day Celebration
In a bold and strategic move to deepen its commitment to child development and education, FIDA Abia on May 22, 2025, paid a high-level advocacy visit to the Honourable Commissioner and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs, Abia State. The purpose: to initiate a partnership ahead of the upcoming Children’s Day celebration scheduled for May 27, 2025.
Held at the Ministry’s Conference Room in Umuahia, the meeting was attended by the Honourable Commissioner, Dr. Aghukwa; the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Oguama; Chairperson Emerita of FIDA Abia, Mrs. Chidinma Alozie, Esq.; and a delegation led by FIDA Abia Vice Chairperson, Ure Otaka, Esq.
The visit, driven by the visionary leadership of Mrs. Alozie, Esq., introduced an exciting proposal — to reward excellence among schoolchildren through competitive activities. She emphasized the importance of motivating students through recognition and incentives. This forward-thinking idea received immediate support from the Ministry.
Welcoming the FIDA Abia team, the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Oguama, praised the longstanding partnership between the Ministry and FIDA Abia. She commended the association’s commitment to uplifting children and affirmed the Ministry’s willingness to amplify FIDA Abia’s visibility and impact. She revealed that the competitions for Children’s Day would include debates, quizzes, essays, march pasts, dance/calisthenics, and art/painting.
Representing the FIDA Abia Chairperson, N.L. Aniawonwa, Esq., the Vice Chairperson, Ure Otaka, Esq., reaffirmed FIDA’s support and proudly announced that FIDA Abia will sponsor prizes for the top three schools in the debating competition. This initiative aims to foster academic excellence, boost students’ confidence, and inspire a culture of healthy competition among schools.
The Honourable Commissioner lauded FIDA Abia’s enthusiasm and expressed the Ministry’s full support for the partnership, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts in advancing child welfare and education in the state.
Following the meeting, the FIDA team was warmly welcomed into the event hall, where students from various schools were already assembled for the competitions. Participating schools included Isieke Community Model High School, Legacy High School Isiama Afara, Government Technical College Afara Ukwu, Ndume Otuka Community Secondary School Ahiaeke, Holy Rosary Secondary School Umuahia, The New Exodus, Dozie Way Ikot Ekpene Road, and Unique Foundation Academy, Umueze Road Umuahia.
This timely collaboration underscores FIDA Abia’s unwavering dedication to protecting and empowering children through education, advocacy, and strategic partnerships.
by FIDASokoto Rises for Women: Stakeholders Unite to Back Reserved Seats Bill Across All Senatorial Districts
FIDA Nigeria, through her Sokoto State branch and in collaboration with her consortium partner — with the support of UN Women and funding from FCDO — successfully held five Advocacy Townhall Meetings across Sokoto Central, Sokoto East, and Sokoto South senatorial districts.
These engagements brought in key state-level actors: CSO leaders, union and association heads, traditional and religious leaders, and government officials — all working in shared commitment to amplify the political participation of women.
The focus? Rallying support for the Reserved Seats for Women Bill — a legislative proposal seeking equitable representation by securing 36+1 Senate seats, 74 seats in the House of Representatives, and 108 cumulative seats in State Houses of Assembly for women.
From the Warizi of Sokoto to Sarkin Gagi, from the Office of the Governor and his SSA, to FOMWAN, NILOWV, women politicians, judicial leaders, and citizens across the districts — voices rose in solidarity. The result: a powerful wave of endorsements, passionate advocacy, and a jointly developed Memorandum 📝 to be submitted at the National Assembly Zonal Public Hearing in support of the Bill’s passage.
This movement is no longer a quiet conversation — it is a loud, united call for change.
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by FIDAAdvancing Women’s Representation: FIDA Nigeria Rallies Stakeholders in Anambra for the Reserved Seat Bill
FIDA Nigeria, alongside her consortium partner FOMWAN, with the support of UN Women and funding from FCDO, was in Anambra State to stir honest, necessary conversations on something that touches us all — women’s inclusion in politics.
At the heart of it all? The Reserved Seat Bill — a crucial proposal pushing for 25.4% of legislative seats to be set aside for women.
This isn’t about handing out favors. It’s about fixing a system that has long left women out of the rooms where decisions are made.
The energy in the room? Unmistakable.
Traditional rulers, lawmakers, labour leaders, commissioners, professors, women leaders, and the media showed up — and didn’t just listen.
They stood with us. Many signed and endorsed the Memorandum in support of the Bill — a clear message that the time for inclusion is now.
Sure, we know challenges may come at the Assembly level. But we’re ready — with facts, voices, and a growing community of Nigerians who know that fair representation isn’t a nice-to-have — it’s a right.
Because this moment isn’t just about filling seats.
It’s about justice.
It’s about representation.
It’s about building a Nigeria that leaves no one behind.
Let’s keep raising our voices. Let’s secure #HerSeatInParliament — and bring this vision to life.
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