Abia

2024 -2027

Chairperson – Njideka Anianwonwa
Vice Chairperson – Ure Blessing Otaka

Secretary – Eberechi Kanu Oji

Asst. Secretary – Chinenye Atuma

Treasurer – Obiageri Agbai Geraldyn

Fin Secretary – 

Publicity Secretary – Nsikak Utang Ijioma

Asst. Publicity Secretary – 

Welfare Secretary – 

2020-2023

Chairperson – Akudo Amanamba

Vice Chairperson – Njideka Aniewonwa

Secretary – Njideka Aniewonwa

Asst. Secretary – Ifi Jacinta Chinyere

Treasurer – Davidson Wokoh

2019-2020

Chairperson – Chibuzo Ehiemere

Vice Chairperson – Ngozi Ukpabi

FIDA Abia Commemorates International Widows’ Day 2025

On June 18, 2025, the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Abia, in collaboration with the Office of the Wife of the Governor and the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation & Social Protection, marked the International Widows’ Day Celebration. The event, themed “Beyond Grief: Rebuilding Lives, Strengthening Communities, and Challenging Stigma,” was a powerful gathering focused on empowerment, resilience, and systemic support for widows in Abia State.

A Statewide Celebration of Strength

Her Excellency, Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti, in her unwavering commitment to supporting widows across the state, reached out to 680 widows from all seventeen Local Government Areas. Representing her at the event was the Deputy Governor’s wife, Mrs. Adaeze Chidera Emetu, who emphasized the administration’s dedication to eradicating harmful widowhood practices.

“This day is not just a remembrance of pain, but a celebration of strength. We are determined to ensure no widow in Abia State is left behind,” she declared, citing the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act as a key legal framework for widow protection.

Government Commitment and Key Initiatives

The Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Mrs. Blessing Ngozi Felix, delivered a warm welcome and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to improving the lives of widows through direct interventions and policy implementation. She outlined several impactful government initiatives, including:

Free legal education on inheritance rights and reporting gender-based violence

Medical outreach programs offering free checkups and essential medications

Financial assistance to indigent widows

Launch of a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) at Aba General Hospital

Implementation of the Abia State Social Protection Policy in partnership with the EU, UNICEF, and ILO

“These women often face immense difficulties—from economic hardship and social exclusion to abuse and injustice. This year’s theme challenges us to go beyond grief and empower them with tools for healing, self-reliance, and dignity,” she stated.

Voices of Support and Solidarity

Keynote speaker, Mrs. Patience Ngozi Udonsi, encouraged widows to embrace new beginnings with courage, hope, and strength. Other speakers, including Mrs. Osinachi Favour, urged widows to live morally upright and healthy lives for the well-being of their families.

FIDA Abia Chairperson, Njideka Aniawonwa Esq., represented by FIDA Abia Publicity Secretary, Oby Chris Agbai, called for stronger legal protections and the inclusion of FIDA’s widows in the state’s Data Bank for future interventions. “FIDA Abia remains committed to protecting the rights of widows in our communities,” she affirmed.

In her remarks, Mrs. Elizabeth Udo Kalu, Coordinator of Abia Arise, praised the compassionate leadership of Governor Alex Otti and assured widows of continued support from the state.

Empowerment in Action

The day featured emotional testimonies from widows, each expressing gratitude for the state government’s compassionate support. The high point of the event was the presentation of cash awards to each widow as part of an empowerment package.

The well-attended ceremony, held at the JAAC Building, State Secretariat, Umuahia, brought together policymakers, legal experts, medical professionals, media, advocates, and security personnel—showcasing a united front for widows’ empowerment.

Compiled by:
Chinenye Atuma, Esq.
Assistant Secretary, FIDA Abia

FIDA Abia Joins Abia State Government to Mark Children’s Day 2025

On May 27, 2025, the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria, Abia State Branch, joined the Abia State Government in celebrating this year’s Children’s Day under the theme: “Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation.”

The event, organized by the Office of the Wife of the Governor in collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs, was held at the Umuahia Township Stadium and attracted wide participation from schools, government institutions, civil society organizations, and the private sector.

His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, Governor of Abia State, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare of Abia’s children, citing major investments in education, healthcare, and infrastructure as part of his long-term vision for youth development.

In her address, the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Mrs. Maureen Aghukwa, commended stakeholders for their ongoing efforts in protecting and nurturing children. She condemned bullying in all its forms and encouraged collective action to create safe and inclusive environments for children to thrive. “This celebration is a chance to promote values of respect, kindness, and empathy among our children,” she stated.

The event featured a variety of engaging activities including cultural dances, fashion parade, tug-of-war, calisthenics, a general march past, and a debating competition. FIDA Abia actively participated in the march past and joined in presenting cash awards to the winners of the debating competition, reaffirming the organization’s commitment to child protection and empowerment through education.

The celebration was well-attended by key dignitaries including Governor Alex C. Otti; Her Excellency, Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti; the Deputy Governor and his wife; the Chief Judge of Abia State; members of the State House of Assembly; Honourable Commissioners; the Mayor of Umuahia North LGA; traditional rulers; captains of industry; law enforcement agents; and various civil society groups, including FIDA Abia.

FIDA Abia remains committed to advocating for the rights and welfare of children and was honored to contribute meaningfully to this impactful celebration.

Chinenye Atuma
Assistant Secretary, FIDA Nigeria – Abia State Branch

FIDA Abia Visits Ministry of Women Affairs, Abia State Ahead of 2025 Children’s Day Celebration

On May 22, 2025, the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Abia paid a courtesy visit to the Honourable Commissioner and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs, Abia State, to propose a collaborative effort towards the upcoming Children’s Day celebration on May 27, 2025.

The strategic meeting, held at the Ministry’s Conference Room in Umuahia, was graced by the Honourable Commissioner, Dr. Aghukwa, the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Oguama, and a high-powered FIDA Abia delegation led by the Vice Chairperson, Ure Otaka, Esq. Also present was Mrs. Chidinma Alozie, Esq., FIDA Abia Chairperson Emerita, who initiated the idea of introducing awards for outstanding schools in various Children’s Day competitions.

In her welcome remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Oguama, acknowledged the strong and ongoing partnership between the Ministry and FIDA Abia. She lauded the organization’s consistent commitment and expressed the Ministry’s willingness to further enhance FIDA Abia’s visibility. She also outlined the categories of competitions, including debate, quiz, essay writing, march past, dance/calisthenics, and art/painting.

Speaking on behalf of the FIDA Abia Chairperson, N. L. Aniawonwa, Esq., the Vice Chairperson, Ure Otaka, Esq., announced that FIDA Abia will be sponsoring prizes for the top three schools in the debate category. This initiative is aimed at inspiring academic excellence and promoting healthy competition among students.

The Honourable Commissioner commended FIDA Abia’s proactive approach and pledged the Ministry’s continued support for future initiatives.

Following the meeting, the FIDA Abia team was warmly welcomed to the competition venue where students were already assembled. 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

Unique Foundation Academy, Umueze Road, Umuahia

FIDA Abia remains committed to empowering children through education, advocacy, and strategic partnerships.

Reported by:
Chinenye Atuma
Assistant Secretary, FIDA Abia
     

16 Days of Activism 2020

FIDA Abia in collaboration with H.E the wife of the Governor of Abia State Nkechi Caroline Ikpeazu, Vica hope foundation and national orientation agency, today 25th November declared open the 16 days of activism to end GBV #orangetheworld.