by FIDAA Trailblazer in Silk FIDA Nigeria Applauds Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN
FIDA Nigeria proudly celebrates Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, one of our own on her elevation to the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN); a crowning achievement born of brilliance, resilience and unshakable dedication to the legal profession.
This milestone is far more than a personal triumph; it is a beacon of inspiration to women in law and beyond. It reaffirms that with courage, excellence and determination, women can shatter barriers and rise to the very pinnacle of the Bar, making history along the way.
As she steps into this new chapter, adorned in silk, we are confident that Mrs. Badejo-Okusanya will continue to embody the values of FIDA justice, service and dignity for women and children while blazing a trail for the next generation of female advocates.
FIDA Nigeria celebrates her as a trailblazer, a torchbearer and a shining example for all.
by FIDAFrom Call to Bar to Captivity: FIDA Nigeria Condemns Abduction of Barrister Peace Udoka Onyesom
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria condemns the abduction of Barrister Peace Udoka Onyesom and her sister on September 27, 2025, along the Lokoja–Okene highway in Kogi State.
Barrister Onyesom, who was recently called to the Bar, was traveling to Benin, Edo State, when she and her sister were seized. Reports say their captors demand ₦20 million ransom, a cruel blow to her family, friends, and the legal community.
FIDA Nigeria demands:
- Immediate rescue by security agencies to ensure their safe return.
- Support for the family, including psychological and moral assistance.
- Stronger highway security, declaring a state of emergency on road safety.
- Justice, with perpetrators investigated and prosecuted.
Barrister Onyesom symbolizes the hopes of young Nigerian women pursuing law with dignity and courage. Her abduction is a painful reminder of the insecurity citizens face daily.
FIDA Nigeria stands firmly with her family and calls on authorities and all Nigerians to act until the sisters are safely reunited with their loved ones.
Signed,
Eliana Martins
Country Vice President, FIDA Nigeria
Chineze Obianyo
National Publicity Secretary
FIDA Nigeria
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Side Event at the NBA-AGC 2025 – Enugu
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.
FIDANigeria #NBAAGC2025 #StandOutStandTall #GenderParity #ChildProtection #WomenInLeadership #JusticeForAll
