FIDA Nigeria Side Event at the NBA-AGC 2025 – Enugu

At the just-concluded NBA Annual General Conference in Enugu, FIDA Nigeria lit up the conference with her Side Event themed:

“Stand Out, Stand Tall: Building Resilience for Excellence; Effective Implementation of Gender Parity and Protection of the Nigerian Child.”

From the very beginning, it was clear this was no ordinary session. The hall filled up quickly, overflowing with participants judges, SANs, magistrates, law professors, Ministry of Justice officials, young wigs, students, and even our cherished HeForShes. Those who couldn’t find a seat stood outside, determined not to miss a word.

In her stirring keynote, the Country Vice President of FIDA Nigeria, Eliana Martins, urged women to “Stand Out, Stand Tall” by living with resilience, integrity, and service. She made a bold call for reserved seats for women in leadership and stronger child protection laws reminding us all that true justice cannot exist where women and children are sidelined.

The event drew an impressive roll call of eminent personalities: Justices Angela Anidi (Rtd), Ngozika Oji, Augusta Uche Kingsley-Chuku, Prof. Lizzy Oji, and Catherine Nwobodo; renowned academics like Prof. M.V.C. Ozioko and Prof. Chika Chinweze; Dr. Mercy Oke-Chinda, Adejoke Layi-Babatunde (representing Senator Biodun Olujimi); and many other champions of justice who came with one purpose to stand with women and children.

The atmosphere was electric. NBA female national officers were in full force, with a goodwill message from the First Vice President, Zainab Aminu Garba. We also celebrated Mrs Oyinkansola Badejo Okusanya, our newly conferred Learned Silk, with prayers that more women will rise to the rank in years to come.

FIDA Benue stole hearts when they proudly dressed and prayed for the CVP, while seniors and colleagues from the Bar lent their voices in support. It wasn’t just an event it felt like a family gathering, with branches, friends, and collaborators all coming together in unity and excitement.

And through it all, one message rang loud and clear:
Every woman deserves a voice.
Every child deserves protection.
Every community deserves justice.

That is the promise of FIDA Nigeria. A promise we will continue to keep.