- Office Address: Room GA 15 (Ground floor), Federal Ministry of Justice, Complex, Shehu Shagari Way, Maitama, Abuja.
- Phone No: 08036044208, 08035876082, 08176406945
- E-mail Address:chigold2006@yahoo.com, fidanigabuja@gmail.com.
- Facebook: FidaAbujaBranch
- Instagram: fidaabujabranch
- Twitter: @FidaAbuja
Date of branch inauguration: 7th December 1991
1991-1996
Chairperson – Ijeoma Opara-Ehikwe
Vice Chairperson – Rhoda Sule
Secretary – Mrs Ellah
1996-1998
Chairperson – Rhoda Sule
Vice Chairperson – Rose Nwosu
General secretary – Saratu Shafii
Assistant General Secretary – Jane Tapgun
Treasurer – Laraba M. Shuaibu
Financial secretary – Laraba Jim
Social/welfare Secretary – Rose Ugbane
Public Relations Officer – Helen Martins Oloja
1998 -2000
Chairperson – Rose O. Nwosu
Vice Chairperson – Mrs Ramatu
General Secretary – Ojobo Atuluku/Rhoda Tyoden Moore
Assistant General Secretary – Amaka Ogbonna
Treasurer – Hadiza Gaji
Financial Secretary – Christy Kolo
Social/Welfare Secretary – Rose Ugbane
Public Relations Officer – Awele Udobi
Assistant Public Relation Officer – Mrs Ogunkani
2000 – 2002
Chairperson – Rose O. Nwosu
Vice Chairperson – Roseline Tasha
General Secretary – Rhoda Tyoden Moore
Assistant General Secretary – Amaka Ogbonna
Treasurer – Hadiza Gaji
Financial Secretary – Christy Kolo
Social/Welfare Secretary – Rose Ugbane
Public Relations Officer – Awele Udobi
Assistant Public Relation Officer – Mrs. Ogunkani
2002 – 2004
Chairperson – Hauwa E. Shekarau
Vice chairperson – Laraba M. Shuaibu
General Secretary – Awele Udobi
Assistant General Secretary – Perpetual Adimekwe
Treasurer – Christy Kolo
Financial Secretary – Chinelo Aroh
Social/Welfare Secretary – Uju Onokwoli
Public Relations Officer – Roseline Tasha
Assistant Public Relation Officer – Racheal Ordu
2004 – 2006
Chairperson – Hauwa Shekarau
Vice chairperson – Laraba M. Shuaibu
General Secretary – Ogechi Abu
Assistant General Secretary – Comfort Enejo
Treasurer – Princess Chukwuani
Financial Secretary – Ify Abraham
Social/Welfare Secretary – Nkem Obiakor
Public Relations Officer – Ndalaku Ogudebe
Assistant Public Relation Officer – Carol Opene
2006 – 2009
Chairperson – Chinelo V. Iriele
Vice chairperson – Roseline Tasha
General Secretary – Chinelo Aroh
Assistant General Secretary – Ijeoma Agwu
Treasurer – Carol Opene
Financial Secretary – Comfort Enejo
Social/Welfare Secretary – Odera Ozobialu
Public Relations Officer – Ogechi Abu
Assistant Public Relation Officer – Beatrice Asikem
2009 – 2011
Chairperson – Laraba M. Shuaibu
Vice chairperson – Odera Ozobialu
General Secretary – Amina S. Agbaje
Assistant General Secretary – Damilola B. Awesu
Treasurer – Ozioma Izuora
Financial Secretary – Rhoda Tyoden Moore
Social/Welfare Secretary – Ngozi T. Ikenga
Public Relations Officer – Laura Ajoiyi
Assistant Public Relation Officer – Comfort Enejo
2011 – 2013
Chairperson – Iyabode Ogunseye
Vice chairperson – Ozioma Izuora
General Secretary – Doris Ikpeze
Assistant General Secretary – Patience Okoh
Treasurer – Kate Okoli
Financial Secretary – Ngozi T. Ikenga
Social/Welfare Secretary – Faozat Olanike Bakrin
Public Relations Officer – Ijeoma Alisi
Assistant Public Relation Officer – Alheri B. Dauda
2013 – 2016
Chairperson – Amina S. Agbaje
Vice chairperson – V.O. Awomolo SAN
General Secretary – Damilola B. Awesu
Assistant General Secretary – Ukpeme Akpan Okon
Treasurer – Rekia-Rachael Adejo-Andrew
Financial Secretary – Chibuzo Nwosu
Social/Welfare Secretary – Chioma Uwazie
Public Relations Officer – Julia Utulu
Assistant Public Relation Officer – Chioma Onyenucheya-Uko
2016 – 2019
Chairperson – Ngozi T. Ikenga
Vice chairperson – Rekia- Rachael Adejo- Andrew
General Secretary – Grace Y. Popoola
Assistant General Secretary – Esther Omaka
Treasurer – Damilola B. Awesu
Financial Secretary – Olufummilayo Igunnu
Social/Welfare Secretary – Stella C. Duru
Public Relations Officer – Chioma Onyenucheya-Uko
Assistant Public Relation Officer – Ndidi E. Ukoha
2019 – 2021
Chairperson – Rekia-Rachael Adejo-Andrew
Vice chairperson – Chibuzo Nwosu
General Secretary – Nachamada Shaltha
Assistant General Secretary – Ezinwa Obiajunwa
Treasurer – Mohammed Adama
Financial Secretary – Fransisca Akaniro-Opara
Social/Welfare Secretary – June Idang Etim
Public Relations Officer – Mojirayo O. Nkanga
Assistant Public Relation Officer – Hauwa George-Obas
2022 – date
Chairperson – Chibuzo Maureen Nwosu
Vice-chairperson – Francisca Akaniro–Opara
General Secretary – Mojirayo Ogunlana–Nkanga
Assistant General Secretary – Charity Chinonyerem Ibezim
Treasurer – Wendy Nwenenda Kuku
Asst. Secretary – Dooshima Esther Abege
Welfare Secretary – Ifeoluwa Johnson
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).
Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Child Protection Network, Social welfare officers, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), and gatekeepers of the Kayarda community.
1. Chibuzo Maureen Nwosu
-Chairperson
2. Francisca Akaniro–Opara.
-Vice-Chairperson.
3. Mojirayo Ogunlana–Nkanga.
-Secretary
4. Charity Chinonyerem Ibezim.
-Assistant Secretary.
5. Wendy Nwenenda Kuku
-Treasurer
6. Dooshima Esther Abege.
-Assistant Publicity Secretary.
7. Ifeoluwa Johnson.
-Welfare Secretary.
Tuesday 27th July 2021
FIDA (Nigeria), Abuja Branch paid a courtesy visit to Boss Mustapha: the Secretary to the Government of the Federation on Tuesday 27th July 2021. the branch was received on behalf of the SGF by Dr. Maurice Nnamdi Mbaeri: Permanent Secretary: General Services Office (GSO). The purpose of the visit was to establish relationships for collaboration, partnership, and synergy.
On the 30th of June 2021, FIDA Abujawas represented on NTA by our amiable PRO Emeritus, Mrs. Chioma Onyenucheya-Uko on the program Otutu Oma to discuss the plight of widows in Nigeria and the impact of FIDA in sensitizing women on their legal rights; promoting and advocating for legal reforms to address salient issues. The chairperson of the branch, Mrs. Rekia Rachael Adejo-Andrew was also on NTA Yoruba on the 1st of July 2021 on the program Ojumo re to discuss the plights of widows in Nigeria and the impact of FIDA in sensitizing women on their legal rights; and in promoting and advocating for legal reforms to address salient issues.
FIDA Abuja Commemorate International Widows Day 2021
In commemoration of International Widows Day 2021, FIDA Nigeria, Abuja branch organized a benevolence outreach for some widows in Abuja. The branch supported them with tokens. The women appreciated the gifts while appealing to FIDA to continue to intervene in the lives of women and children for the benefit of society at large.
#internationalwidowsday #internationalwidowsday2021
Courtesy Visit to His Excellency the Minister of Health
FIDA (Nigeria), Abuja Branch, on the 11th of June 2021, paid a courtesy visit to His Excellency the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie E. Ehanire for the purpose of collaboration, partnership, and synergy
Visit to Orphanage home in Karu, FCT
In celebration of Nigerian Children on this day which is an annual event on May 27th and in continuation of the Law Week of the International Federation of Women Lawyers- FIDA (Nigeria) Abuja Branch, as part of FIDA’s mandate to children, paid a visit to the Orphanage home in Karu, FCT. The home at the material time has 67 children with the youngest being a 2-month-old baby.
FIDA Abuja celebrated the children’s day with them by donating gifts which included several boxes of clothes, shoes, foodstuffs, toiletries, diapers etc all donated by members of the Branch. Also, enlightened them about their rights as enshrined in the Child Rights Act.
Visit to Suleija Correctional Centre
FIDA (Nigeria) Abuja Branch commenced her 2021 Law Week on the 20th of May with a visit to the Suleja Correctional Centre where a free legal Clinic for 31 female inmates comprising of 3 nursing mothers (with 3 toddlers) and 1 pregnant woman was conducted. Welfare packages comprising of toiletries, beverages, diapers, clothing items, foodstuffs etc. were also distributed.
Sensitization Visit to Kuje Area Council
On the 18th of March, 2021, FIDA Nigeria, Abuja Branch with support from MacArthur Foundation undertook a community sensitization outreach on the provisions of the Administrative of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 using the simplified English version at Kuje Area Council.
40 participants were drawn from various communities in Kuje Area Council majority of whom were women.
The FIDA Abuja team was led by the Chairperson: Rekia R. Adejo-Andrew who took the participants through the Act using the simplified English version as the teaching aid.
Participants demonstrated their understanding by asking very relevant questions.
Centre Inaugurattion In Gwagwalada
On the 25th of February 2021, FIDA Abuja in ensuring access to justice by citizens of the Gwagwalada Area Council inaugurated a Centre of the Branch in Gwagwalada.
The inauguration was chaired by My Lord, Honourable Justice I. A. Kutigi the Supervisory Judge of Gwagwalada and Kwali who was represented by Chief Magistrate Shafa.
The Country Vice President/National President: Rhoda Prevail Tyoden who was represented by the Deputy Country Vice President: Amina Sussanah Agbaje gave a goodwill message.
Members of the Branch who attended the inauguration included but not limited to Chief Mrs Victoria Olufunmilayo Awomolo SAN who gave a talk on the role of FIDA in Society.
16 Days of Activism 2020
In continuation of the 16days activism, the FIDA (Nigeria) Abuja branch in collaboration with the NBA Abuja Branch- the Unity Bar on Saturday 5th December, 2020 engaged in an Advocacy Road Walk which started from the Federal Ministry of Justice through Transcorp Hilton and terminated at the Farmers Market in Maitama.
At the market, the traders and shoppers were given fliers with the FIDA Abuja office address & hotline. They were also addressed on the dangers and ills of violence against Women and girls. The advocacy message was first spoken in English and Pidgin and then the 3 main Nigerian languages of Igbo, Hausa & Yoruba.
FIDA Abuja Branch members at the Press conference on Thursday the 26 of November 2020 in commemoration of 16 days of activism.
To flag off the 16 days activism 2020, FIDA Abuja, visited the Suleja and Kuje Correctional Service Centers with the Honourable Chief Judge of the FCT, Hon. Justice I.U.Bello.
Christmas came early for some of the inmates who were granted amnesty by the Chief Judge. Some of these convicts were women who had been convicted to imprisonment with the option of fine.
FIDA Abuja branch in its effort to always ensure the welfare of women, took on the responsibility to pay off the fines of some of these women who had no way of paying their fines.
Network of the Bar, Bench, Police & Correctional Service
FIDA Nigeria, Abuja Branch with support from MacArthur Foundation commenced a 4 day stakeholders meeting with the Bench, Bar, Police & Correctional Services to ensure the Effective Implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 in the FCT
@macfound
As part of the United Nations Spotlight Initiative (UNSI) project activities, FIDA Abuja organised a one day training for senior government officials and Civil Society organizations in the FCT on Gender Responsive Budgeting, today the 10th of September 2020.
Participants were trained on responsive budgeting and impact of poor funding on women while also analyzing budget programmes from gender perspectives. There were group tasks and presentations and the group adopted an advocacy plan to promote increased budget allocation on gender and to track compliance to gender responsive budgeting
ON 1st Sept, 2020, FIDA Nigeria, Abuja Branch with the support of ActionAid and funding from Global Affairs Canada held a three day training of community paralegals in Jahi community in the FCT. The training was aimed at building the capacity of community paralegals and creating awareness of SGBV as it affects the community.
Part of the training included an exposition of the VAPP Act in its simplified version to enable
paralegals understand and relate adequately to its provisions towards responding to cases of SGBV in the community.
ON 17TH JUNE, 2019: Sensitization and Advocacy outreach on the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act to Anglican Girls Secondary School, Apo, Abuja, as part of Oxfam Project Activities.
ON 20TH JUNE, 2019: The inauguration of the current executive members of FIDA (Nigeria) Abuja branch for the service years 2019-2022
ON 26TH JUNE, 2019: FIDA Abuja held a press conference in commemoration of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Ilicit Trafficking
ON 29th June, 2019: Paper presentation on the Dangers of Domestic Violence which held at Living Faith Church, Abuja.
ON 2ND JULY, 2019: Sensitization and Advocacy outreach on the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (Vapp) Act to Government Secondary School, Tudun-Wada, Abuja, As Part Of Oxfam Project Activities.
ON 11TH JULY, 2019: Sensitization and Advocacy outreach on the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (Vapp) Act to Government Secondary School, Wuse Zone 3, Abuja, As Part Of Oxfam Project Activities.
ON 8TH, JULY 2019: Sensitization and Advocacy Outreach on the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (Vapp) Act to Government Secondary School, Karu, Abuja As Part Of Oxfam Project Activities.
On 11TH JULY, 2019: Sensitization and Advocacy Outreach on the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (Vapp) Act to Fouad Labididi, Wuse Zone 3, Abuja, As Part Of Oxfam Project Activities.
Media Presentation by The Chairperson FIDA Abuja At Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) On The Menace Of Rape
Branch Updates
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...
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On Thursday, 7th of April 2022, FIDA Nigeria, Abuja branch carried out a one-day workshop on the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and other...
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In commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child 2021, themed “Digital Generation-Our Generation”, FIDA (Nigeria), Abuja Branch paid an Advocacy...
Read MoreFIDA Nigeria Mourns the Passing of a Great FIDA Amazon DR. HAUWA EVELYN SHEKARAU
A Human rights activist with a beautiful soul, full of love and faith, now ascended to heaven away from us, but closer to God, leaving loneliness, sadness,...
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