Abuja

Date of branch inauguration: 7^th 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).

 

International Women’s Day 2022.

In commemoration of International Women’s Day, FIDA Abuja Branch in the company of other women groups protested and rallied at the National Assembly Abuja on the 8th of March 2022 against the rejection of the gender bills.

 

Sensitization and Advocacy Outreach

On Friday, 4th of February 2022, FIDA (Nigeria)Abuja branch led by the Chairperson Chibuzo Maureen Nwosu, carried out a sensitization and advocacy outreach sponsored by Mac-Arthur Foundation at Kayarda community, Kuje area council, FCT, Abuja.

The objective of the sensitization was to create awareness on the benefits, proper utilization and provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice (ACJ) Act 2015 using the simplified Pidgin version.

The participants were drawn from relevant stakeholders in the community including:
Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Child Protection Network, Social welfare officers, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), and gatekeepers of the Kayarda community.

 

Inception Meetings/Advocacy

FIDA (Nigeria) Abuja Branch ably led by her Chairperson Chibuzo Maureen Nwosu, carried out inception meetings/advocacy outreaches under the strengthening Civil Advocacy and local Engagement (SCALE) project from Tuesday 25th – Wednesday 26th January 2022 to four communities in the F.C.T Dutse Alhaji: Bwari Area Council, Jahi 1: Amac, Bamishi and Kuchiyakwo at Kuje Area Council

The objective of the inception meetings/ Advocacy outreaches is to engage and sensitize nominated representatives/ gatekeepers to address social norms that encourage sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGB) Child Early and forced marriage and trafficking in person (TIP) in various communities and also empower them (through capacity building) to respond to incidences of all forms of gender-related issues, especially the aforementioned offenses.

Election of New Excos

FIDA Nigeria Abuja branch conducted its elections on the 10th of December 2021 to end the 2019-2021 administration. The peaceful and transparent elections under the monitoring and coordination of the Electoral Committee, ably led by Lady Ifueko Ize-Iyamu, resulted in a rancor free election and the following emerged the new Executive Committee for the years 2022-2024:
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.

   Media Round 

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.

@fidaabujabranch @macfound

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.

@fidaabujabranch @unwomen

#16DaysOfActivism
#EndGBV

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

10th of September 2020

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