Abuja

FIDA ABUJA EXTENDS MEMBERSHIP TO BAZE UNIVERSITY, FCT. 26th of July, 2023

IDA Abuja Branch led by the Chairperson, Chibuzo M. Nwosu, and her delegates, visited the students of the Faculty of Law, Baze University, Abuja. The visit was in response to the call for  Student-Associate Membership of the branch.

Welcoming the Branch, the Family Law Lecturer Baze University and past Vice-chairperson of FIDA Abuja Branch, Mrs. Ozioma Izuorah, gave a preliminary introduction of the branch and the essence of the day’s event. She enjoined the students to embrace this collaboration in order to keep the family together.

Introducing the branch and its mandate to the teaming law students, the Chairperson gave a synopsis of the history, mission, vision, and core values of FIDA. She also thanked the school’s authority for the opportunity to share a lasting working relationship. According to the Chairperson, “the relationship will strengthen the FIDA mandate as it extends the mantral to the students”.

Present at the day’s visit were lecturers in the law faculty of the school who expressed their excitement over the new innovation by FIDA. According to Dr. Sulaiman Abdussaman, Lecturer of the Family Law Clinic, it will be an opportunity for the students to mingle with real society and practice law.

One of the school’s teachers, Dr. Bridget Anigbogu, in her welcome address, said that giving back to society through this initiative is the best thing that has happened to the school. Similarly, Mr. Dayo Ashonibare (Lecturer) noted the apt intervention by FIDA especially as the students are akin to social justice and public interest law.

The coordinator of the school’s Law Clinic, Tosin Yemi Oke, encouraged the students to seize the opportunity of becoming advocates for women’s and children’s rights outside the walls of the classrooms as they give back to society.

As a show of acceptance, the President of, the Law Student Association, Baze University Chibueze Onwuchelu appreciated FIDA and promised to take up the task in conjunction with fellow students.

The visit was a success as it saw a total number of 31 students who indicated interest in becoming members of the student chapter.

FIDA Abuja Chair Bags Peace Award

On the 18th of July 2023, the Academy Of Peace Sciences Nigeria (Institute Of Peace Advocacy Mediation And Community Security Studies) organized an award ceremony in commemoration of the year’s International Nelson Mandela Peacemakers Medal Day.

The Academy of Peace Sciences Nigeria is an institute that advocates the use of alternative dispute resolution as a tool for achieving national and global peace.

The ceremony was aimed at bestowing deserving individuals who have affected mankind in no small ways with awards of merit. Reiterating the essence of the day’s event, the Executive Director, Hon. (Chief) Victor Edim Esq, Jp, Amb., Ph.D. advocated the need for peace and the use of ADR in solving issues amongst citizens and institutions.

At the event, the Chairperson of FIDA NIGERIA (ABUJA BRANCH) Chibuzo M. Nwosu was honored with the INTERNATIONAL NELSON MANDELA PEACEMAKERS MEDAL AWARD for her immeasurable role in the advancement of peace among humanity through the realization of the FIDA mandate.

In her acceptance speech, the Chairperson appreciated the Director and convener of the program (Hon. Chief Victor Edim Esq, Jp, Amb, Ph.D.) for the laudable project while assuring him of FIDA’s collaboration in areas of advocacy while proffering her services pro-bono when necessary.

In the company of the Chairperson were other high-ranking members of FIDA Abuja such as the General Secretary of the branch, Mojirayo Ogunlana-Nkanga, the Assistant Publicity Secretary, Dooshima Abege, the past Publicity Secretary of FIDA Abuja, Chioma Onyenucheya-Uko and Dr. Anne C. Mpamah who was also a recipient of an award.

World Day Against Child Labour

On the 15th of June 2023, the Branch represented by the Ass. Gen. Secretary and Publicity Secretary featured on a radio program held at Wazobia FM Abuja.
The program was organized to commemorate the World Day Against Child Labour and Day of the African Child.

International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 26 June 2023.

The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, or World Drug Day, is marked on 26 June every year to strengthen action and cooperation in achieving a world free of drug abuse.

The aim of this year’s theme: “People first: stop stigma and discrimination, strengthen prevention” is to raise awareness about the importance of treating people who use drugs with respect and empathy; providing evidence-based, voluntary services for all; offering alternatives to punishment; prioritizing prevention; and leading with compassion. The campaign also seeks to combat stigma and discrimination against people who use drugs by promoting language and attitudes that are respectful and non-judgmental.

The scourge of substance abuse is a real threat to the sustainable livelihoods of communities. It is the leading cause of crime and contributes to poverty, dysfunctional families and communities, and the burden of disease, injury, and premature death.

There is no gainsaying that addiction affects the family. People who struggle with addiction are not the only ones who feel the impact. The effects of active addiction stretch far beyond the person using substances. Immediate family members are also affected when their loved one has a drug or alcohol problem. Whether it’s a child, parent, or spouse, addiction alters the lives of anyone who loves the person. And many people who use drugs face stigma and discrimination, which can further harm their physical and mental health and prevent them from accessing the help they need.

For these reasons, we recognize in this new era, that we must increase efforts to tackle drug addiction as well as drug crime. Hence, we are through this means making a solemn call to raise awareness about the negative impact of stigma and discrimination on people who use drugs and their families, educate about drug use disorders and the importance of early intervention and support, combat stigma and discrimination by promoting language and attitudes that are respectful and non-judgmental and empower young people and communities to prevent drug use and addiction.

Therefore, taking all factors into account, we must continue to forge effective partnerships, especially with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and all sectors of society in mobilizing communities behind the vision of a drug-free society and put education and awareness programs at the center of the strategy.

#peoplefirst#stopstigmaanddiscrimination#strengthenprevention

Signed:
Chibuzo M. Nwosu
Chairperson FIDA Abuja

Women Voice and Leadership (WVL) Project  Paralegal  Training 

FIDA Nigeria through the Women Voice and Leadership (WVL) Project with funding from Global Affairs Canada and support from Action Aid Nigeria organized a two days workshop on the 13th and 14th of June 2023 for Paralegals across 3 Area Councils (AMAC, Kuje, and Bwari) in the FCT, with the objective to institutionalize a Sustainable Plan for paralegal clinics as the WVL project winds down this year, 2023.

The Sustainability Plan was developed as quarterly action plans and a proposed Bye-Law by the Paralegals. They will present these documents to their Community Leaders for adoption and signing.

This will ensure accessibility to justice through free legal services for survivors of SGBV and other forms of women and children’s rights abuse

A debate for stakeholders towards developing a policy statement on the unconstitutionality of the provision of section 396 (7) of the ACJA 

On the 6th of June, 2023 FIDA (Nigeria) Abuja Branch organized a debate sponsored by the Macarthur Foundation on “The Unconstitutionality of Section 396(7) of the Administration of Criminal Justice (ACJ) Act 2015: Matters Arising: Implications on Speedy Dispensation of Corruption Cases in Nigeria.

Welcoming the participants, the Chairperson of the Branch, Chibuzo M. Nwosu, gave a synopsis of the workshop and enjoined the participants to actively participate in the business of the day. Goodwill messages were however taken from Participants.

Present at the debate were Honorable Justices, Magistrates, Heads of Legal Departments from the National Human Rights Commission, Nigerian Correctional Services, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Department of State Security, Legal Aid Council, Nigerian Law Reform Commission, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps; Prosecutors from the Nigeria Police Force, Federal Ministry of Justice, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons; Representatives from CLEEN foundation, Network of University Legal Aid Institutions (NULAI), Centre for Socio-Legal Studies (CSLS), ACJMC, Administration of Criminal Justice Reform and Review Department, Branches of the Nigerian Bar Association (including National, Bwari, Unity, Gwagwalada and Garki branches).

The debate centered on the unconstitutionality of Section 396(7) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 which provides that “…a Judge of the High Court who has been elevated to the Court of Appeal shall continue to sit as a High Court Judge for the purpose of concluding any part-heard criminal matter pending before him at the time of his elevation…..” while also citing the recent pronouncement by the Supreme Court in UDEOGU JONES V. FRN & ORS SC 622 C/2019, declaring the said provision unconstitutional.

To further engage, participants were divided into groups to discuss issues and challenges in concluding cases, share experiences, and finally, recommend practical solutions to enhancing the speedy dispensation of justice.

The Workshop was concluded with presentations and reactions from the various groups and resolutions were sifted from the reactions of the participants.

School Outreach 

FIDA Abuja as part of activities to mark the children’s day, went on a school outreach to Government Junior Secondary School, Gwarimpa on the 26th of May 2023, in a delegate led by the Branch Chairperson

The Chairperson in introducing FIDA and it’s mandate informed the students on the purpose for the outreach which was to celebrate in advance, the Children’s Day marked on the 27th of May 2023. She reminded them that they are primarily the voice and hope of the future and also informing them of the Child Rights Act 2007, which protects that voice.

The Branch’s Publicity Secretary further enlightened the students on the rights of a child to free, compulsory and universal primary education using Section 15 of the Child Rights Act.

Realizing the role FIDA plays in the lives of women and children, the School’s principal, Mrs. Zainab Hassan, appreciated FIDA for the enlightenment and prayed for a continuous exercise in the school for the benefit of the children.

In response, the Chairperson while promising a cordial and working relationship, assured the school’s principal of subsequent exercises in the school.

Closing the visit, the Chairperson presented copies of the VAPP Act, FIDA Contact/Flyers and gift items to the school.

Inauguration of the FCT GBV Monitoring & Evaluation Committee

The Chairperson Abuja branch, Chibuzo Nwosu and Program Officer, Chioma Okoye – Chukwuma honored an invitation by the Foundation for Resilient Empowerment & Development (FRED) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs held at the Community Hall, Social Development Secretariat Area 10, Garki, Abuja. On Thursday, 30th of March, 2023.

The meeting was initiated by FRED to inaugurate the FCT GBV M & E State technical working group and subcommittees, present and adopt the finalized Terms of Reference (TOR) and finally upscale the collation and reporting of rate of incidents of Gender Based Violence (GBV) in the FCT using the national GBV reporting tools to enhance GBV data coordination and Management.

Goodwill messages were taken from Representatives of Nigerian Security & Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Legal secretariat, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Federal Ministry of Women Affairs (FMWA), Health Secretariat, Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Advocacy for Women with Disabilities Initiative (AWDI) Foundation For Resilient Empowerment (FRED) and our own very Chairperson, FIDA (Nigeria) Abuja Branch.

Delivering her goodwill message, the Chairperson applauded the Mandate Secretary for taking the initiative to establish the FCT Gender Based Violence Monitoring and Evaluation State Technical Working Group (GBV-STWG) with the aim of collective responsibility in the fight against Elimination of Violence against women and children in the FCT. She pledged her support towards the effective and efficient collaboration of FIDA as a member of the State Technical Working Group in implementing their mandate and activities. Presenting the finalized FCT GBV Terms of Reference for sub-committees, the Monitoring and Evaluation officer of FRED, Ahmeena Danjuma urged stakeholders for a collective participation in STWG activities so as to bridge the gaps in coordinating GBV reporting in the FCT. She concluded by encouraging participants who were yet to identify with a subcommittee to enlist and participate in committee activities as provided for in the Terms of Reference.

In closing, the Mandate Secretary of Social Development Secretariat applauded stakeholders for attending the inauguration while stating that the inauguration of the STWG is a laudable milestone in the fight to end violence against women and children. She further urged stakeholders to work together to create a society free from all forms of violence against women and children. She warmly thanked participants and formally inaugurated the FCT State Technical Working Group.

16 Days of Activism 2022

On the 29th of November 2022, the Branch honored a call by the Social Development Secretariat in partnership with the FCT Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Response Team and support of the EU-UN Spotlight to its FCT Conference as the Keynote Speaker in commemoration of the 2022 16 Days Activism Against Gender Based Violence.

The conference was organized to examine the progress so far and strengthen areas of collaboration between stakeholders in addressing and responding to sexual and gender-based violence in the FCT.

Present at the conference were representatives of key stakeholders such as Action Aid, Nigeria Police Force, Spotlight Initiative, FIDA Abuja in the persons of the Publicity Secretary Olosen Victoria Ibiezugbe and Welfare Secretary (Emerita) June Idang Etim who delivered the keynote address on behalf of the Chairperson. In her keynote address, the Chairperson admonished survivors of violence to seek support and redress at women centers that support sexual and gender-based violence survivors.

The highlight of the event saw the Executive Director, People Living with Disability, Katherine Ede delivered a message of inclusion and quality representation of the deaf and other People Living With Disabilities while also making a passionate plea for a better platform to ensure inclusion in the fight against gender-based violence.

Another remarkable moment was the presentation by a female Paper Collage Artist, Uche Uguru who draws inspiration from particularly Nigerian women and who presented a collage of excellent images made from paper.

Capping the program, the Director of Gender, Mrs. Grace Adayo encouraged women to be united with one voice as the year’s theme “UNITE” presupposes while lending their voices in various spheres of life thereby creating more awareness in society.

FIDA Abuja Tasks Mdas on Gender Friendly Policy for Female Farmers.

On the 13th of October 2022, the branch honoured an invitation extended by the Oxford Committee for Famine Relief (OXFAM), an organization which mobilizes people against poverty, tackle inequality that keeps people poor and end injustice.

The program held in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Civil Society Organizations was aimed at recognizing and celebrating Women Food Producers and their contributions towards food security in the country and inspiring the entrepreneurial spirit of women and youths.

Present at the Award ceremony were the Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Agriculture in the person of Dr. Ernest A. Umakhihe, directors of the Ministry of Agriculture, FIDA Abuja represented by the Chairperson Chibuzo M. Nwosu and the Treasurer Wendy Kuku among others.

As a critical stakeholder in women’s economic empowerment and agriculture, FIDA Abuja ably represented by the Chairperson Chibuzo M. Nwosu while introducing the FIDA mandate, commended OXFAM and organizers for supporting women and decorating the female farmers Alias “Ogbonge Women” with the prestigious award.

In her remark, the Chairperson urged Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government to make friendly policies to enhance business of female farmers. While thanking the “Ogbonge” women for their contributions towards nation-building, she further appealed to women representatives in various MDAs to lend their support in a just cause such as the OXFAM initiative as women have the propensity to multiply resources given to them.

CAPACITY ENHANCEMENT TRAINING FOR LEGAL OFFICERS OF THE NATIONAL YOUTH SERVICE CORPS (NYSC), ABUJA

On the 27th of September FIDA Abuja graced the opening ceremony of the Training Program for Legal Officers of the National Youth Service Corps with the theme “THE ROLE OF LEGAL OFFICERS IN DELIVERING QUALITY LEGAL SERVICE IN NIGERIA”.

The training organized by the National Youth Service Corps was put together to ensure legal officers of the NYSC have appropriate education and training on the ideals and ethical duties of lawyers with focus on the provisions of the National Youth Service Corps Act 2004 and its accompanying Bye-Laws of 1993.

The branch was duly represented by the Chairperson, Chibuzo M. Nwosu and the Publicity Secretary, Olosen Victoria Ibiezugbe. Also present at the opening ceremony were the Representative of the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, Mrs C.I Ubah; the Director Legal NYSC, Barr. Ahmed Tijani Ibrahim, Representative of the Justice of the Court of Appeal, Mrs Josphine Ekperobe among many others.

As the guest speaker, the Chairperson in a goodwill message urged legal officers to arm themselves with the profession’s right knowledge, skill and ethics. She further noted the timely invitation as FIDA anticipates a synergy with the National Youth Service Corps by training and integrating corps members as paralegals of the Association and in the administration of justice.

PRESS RELEASE ON THE INTERNATIONAL WIDOWS’ DAY “Sustainable Solutions for Widows Financial Independence”.

FIDA Nigeria, Abuja Branch, commiserate with women who are facing life single-handedly throughout the Nation and the world on the occasion of the International Widow’s Day 2022.

Nothing upends the world of a woman like the death of her husband, leaving her at a loss for what to do next.

In the face of widowhood, women often struggle with serious economic hardship. Women frequently inherit nothing when a marriage ends on account of death. Some may even lose their children to the husband’s lineage. Broader patterns of gender inequality add to the heavy burden on women’s shoulders. They are shut out of labor markets, have fewer productive assets, and bear greater responsibility for the care of children.

The situation for widows is especially dire in developing countries like Nigeria. Some of the problems widows face in the country include poverty, oppression, social stigmatization, and health issues.This is because many widows don’t have access to credit facilities or other economic resources, including work. This is a stark contrast to their male counterparts, who are not subject to similar socio-economic exclusion within households.

We need the right policy measures to shield widows from the threat of poverty and hardship. Policies and reforms that address systemic inequalities can enable women to support themselves in the face of marital death. Reforms to ensure equal ownership and inheritance rights for women; and securing customary marriages through registration and legal documentation.

At the end of the day, the surest solution to financial independence is empowerment through education. And FIDA in keeping with the form and spirit of various Conventions and Laws on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination and Violence against Women will not relent in the fight towards eradicating harmful socio-cultural practices through re-education campaign for women, policy reforms and empowerment.

With that said, i urge you today to offer an encouragement to a widow that you know and volunteer to help widows in your church or your community so that together we can help create a sustainable future for the widow and her dependants.

Chibuzo M. Nwosu
Chairperson FIDA Abuja

Olosen Victoria Ibiezugbe
Publicity Secretary

FIDA Abuja Press Release on International Day of the African Child

Theme: Eliminating Harmful Practices (Progress of Policies and Practice since 2013)

Today we join the rest of Africa to celebrate the day of the African child. FIDA recognizes the importance of the Day of the African Child (DAC) as an advocacy tool for enhancing the visibility of the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (the Charter) as well as promoting children’s rights and welfare issues. The DAC is a day to inspire a sober reflection and action towards addressing the plethora of challenges that children in Africa face on a daily basis.

Today, we have a generation of young people who are clear that Female Genital Mutilation and Child Marriage cannot continue. FGM and child marriage are harmful in every sense of the word. They have a devastating impact on women and girls’ sexual and reproductive health and on their mental health.

Both are linked to high rates of maternal mortality, lower use of family planning, and unwanted pregnancies. They rob women of the opportunity to be educated, to become part of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, to grow into their imaginative and innovative, clever selves, and stretch out to new possibilities, and for them and their families to enjoy all benefits that a decent job brings.

Ending FGM and child marriage is a target firmly rooted in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The elimination of these harmful practices, therefore, makes a crucial contribution, not only to progress towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender equality and women’s empowerment but towards all the Sustainable Development Goals and targets, on health, education, decent work, and poverty reduction.

The links between poverty, FGM, child marriage, and violence against women and girls are already well established. To put an end to these practices once and for all, we must address the root causes—gender inequality and all discrimination—and work toward women and girls as well as boys grasping the future that has been promised in Agenda 2063 and the many other important declarations that exist.

We know that in the Sustainable Development Goals, the vision is for a world that has no harmful practices. The campaign against harmful cultural practices, in particular, child marriage is significantly reflected in legislation, policies, and practice, including the establishment of the Child Rights Act 2003 and Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act 2015 and its adoption in over 26 States of Nigeria, indicates that there is a change in public attitudes on issues around child marriage (and other vices affecting children) in a progressive pattern.

Another critical issue is the need to build and accelerate efforts to end violence against children, individually and collectively. Violence against children, including in conflict and humanitarian situations, is endemic across the continent. Accordingly, governments, civil society, children, and other stakeholders are urged to intensify efforts to end all forms of violence thereby accelerating the implementation of Agenda 2040 Aspirations for an Africa fit for children. The goal of Agenda 2040, which was adopted in 2016, is for African governments to implement to ensure the respect and protection of children’s rights as guaranteed in the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child.

We call on religious leaders, people who are the custodians of the norms and traditions in many countries to take a stand making sure that there are no excuses for harming women and girls in the name of religion. There is nothing that can justify these practices. No religious or cultural belief or medical reason.

The gains to come from ending these harmful practices are more than individual, more than family, more than community. And of course, the highest price is the respect for women and girls in their communities and the respect for the rights of children in general.

FIDA Abuja celebrates Children’s Day 2022

FIDA Nigeria, Abuja branch on the 26th of May 2022 in a delegation led by the Chairperson Miss Chibuzo M. Nwosu, went on an Advocacy visit to Life Gate Academy Wuye, Abuja in commemoration of the Children’s Day celebration 2022

The Chairperson enlightened the children on key provisions of the VAPP ACT as it affects their rights and well-being such as Rape, Female Genital Mutilation, and Injury to Persons with particular emphasis on the adverse effects of bullying.

To cap the visit, the children asked certain pertinent questions as the Chairperson and other members present answered them accordingly. Copies of the VAPP Act were gifted to the school for the use of the children.

Advocacy Outreach

On the 2nd of May 2022, FIDA Abuja branch led by the Chairperson Ms. Chibuzo M. Nwosu, successfully carried out an advocacy outreach at the Chief of Karu’s Palace Dr. Emmanuel Kyauta Yepwi JP the Saka Ruyi of Karu FCT, Abuja, to sensitize members of the Community of Karu on the provisions of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP).