Anambra

Date of branch inauguration: 28th  May 1982

1982-1986

Chairperson- J.Chas Oniah

Secretary- Justice Funmi Ofodile

1986-1988

Chairperson – Hon- Justice Funmi Ofodile

Vice Chair- Comfort Okeke

Secretary- Mrs Obiageli Nwankwo

Assistant Secretary- Nwando Obika

Treasurer- Chinwe Iyizoba

Finacial Secretary- Margaret Nwagbo

P.R.O- Onyekachi Emole

1988-1990

Chairperson- Obiageli Nwankwo

Vice Chairperson- Grace Mbanugo

Secretary- Chinwe Onyekwuluje

Assistant Secretary- Ifeoma Jombo-Ofo

Treasurer- Stella Nwakamma

Financial Secretary- Adaeze Izundu

P.R.O- Joe Edochie / Dora Ugwueze

1990-1992

Chairperson- Obiageli Nwankwo

Vice Chairperson- Nkem Izuako

Secretary- Angela Otaluka

Assistant Secretary- Angela Anidi

Treasurer- Comfort Okeke

Financial Secretary- Dora Ugwueze

P.R.O- Adaeze Izundu

1992-1994

Chairperson- Nkem Izuako

Vice Chairperson- Dora Ugwunze

Secretary- Chichi Ogenyi

Assistant Secretary- Irere Ndife

Treasurer- Angela Aruchi

Financial Secretary- Ngozi Onwuzo

P.R.O- Iruka Nwokedi

1994-1996

Chairperson- Nkem Izuako

Vice Chairperson- Ifeoma Chinwube

Secretary- Justina Ohareli

Assistant Secretary- Adaeze Izundu

Treasurer- Nweke .W.

Financial Secretary- Ngozi Onwuzo

P.R.O- Agbakoba .N

1996-1998

Chairperson – Franca Ofor

Vice Chairperson – Iruka Nwokedi

Secretary – Agboka .N.

Ass Secretary – Ugo Ezekwem

Treasurer – Dympna Ezeani

Fin Secretary – Irene Ndigwe

Ass Fin Secretary- Uche Afugbuem

P.R.O- Margaret Nwagbo

1998 – 2000

Chairperson – Franca Ofor

Vice Chairperson – Iruka Nwokedi

Secretary – Ugo Ezekwem

Ass Secretary – Cordelia Chukwura

Treasurer – Tina Emekekwue

Fin Secretary – Irene Ndigwe

Ass Fin Secretary- Kate Mortune

P.R.O- Chinelo Onyeka

2000 – 2002

Chairperson – Ugonna Grace Ezekwem

Vice Chairperson – Cordelia Chukwura

Secretary – Nneke Adi Mbonu

Ass Secretary – Clementina Onyiuke

Treasurer – Tina Emekekwue

Fin Secretary – Florence Egbosiube 

Ass Fin Secretary- Nkem Mobue 

Project Coordinator – Helen Obi

P.R.O – Pat Uduezue.

2002 – 2005

Chairperson – Ugonna Grace Ezekwem

Vice Chairperson – Iruka Nwokedi

Secretary – Irene Ndigwe

Ass Secretary – Clementina Onyiuke 

Treasurer – Tina Emekekwue

Fin Secretary – Lizzy Anyaonu

Project Coordinator – Helen Obi

2005 – 2007

Chairperson – Margret Nwagbo

Vice Chairperson – Okafor Pat

Secretary  – Tina Emekekwue

Asst-Secretary  – Amaka Ezeno 

Treasurer  – Obianuju Umeh

Financial Secretary  – Helen Obi

P.R.O – Unoaka Ekwegbalu

Project Officer – Genevieve Osakie —

2007 – 2010

Chairperson – Margret Nwagbo

Vice Chairperson – Ngozi Iwuno

Secretary  – Tina Emekekwue

Asst-Secretary  – Amaka Ezeno 

Treasurer  – Obianyo Umeh

Financial Secretary  – Nkiru Mmegwa

P.R.O – Unoaka Ekwegbalu

Project Coordinator  – Ifeoma Katchy

2010-2013

Chairperson – Tina Emekekwue

2013 -2016

Chairperson –  Patricia Okafor

Vice Chairperson – Nkoli Ebede

Secretary –  Helen Obi

Asst Secretary – Chineze Obianyo

Treasure –  Nkiru Nwankwo

Financial Secretary  – Clara Nnanna

Publicity Secretary – Ifeoma Katch

Welfare Officer  – Judith Ezeanyika

2016 – 2019

Chairperson – Chineze Obianyo

2019 – 2022

Chairperson – Pro. Ogugua Ikpeze

Secretary  – Stella Ofokansi

2022 – 2024

Chairperson – Genevieve Osake

Vice-Chairperson – Lauretta Okoye

Secretary – Amara Muojeke

Asst. Secretary – Chioma Okolo

Publicity Secretary – Chisom Okafor

2024 – 2027

Chairperson – Amara Joy Muojeke
Vice Chairperson – Lauretta Ikwuka
Secretary – H/W Maria Anyabolu
Asst. Secretary –Sylvia Ogbuagu
Treasurer – Chioma Okolo
Financial Secretary – A. C. Peters
Publicity Secretary – Chinelo Akorah
Asst. Publicity Secretary – 
Welfare Secretary – Ginikachukwu Olisa

FIDA Anambra Partners with WHO, Anambra State Ministry of Health, and Anambra AIDS Control Agency for Sensitization on Female Genital Mutilation in Aguleri

In line with the 2025 theme, Step Up the Pace: Strengthening Alliances and Building Movements to End Female Genital Mutilation, the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Anambra State Branch, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), the Anambra State Ministry of Health, and the Anambra AIDS Control Agency, visited Aguleri, Anambra East Local Government Area, on Thursday, February 6, 2025, to mark the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

The delegation was warmly received by Her Royal Majesty Iyom Dr. Mediatrix Amalachukwu Idigo, Ocheze Aguleri, along with the Community Woman Leader, Mrs. Veronica Ndidi Chukwuma, and members of the Aguleri Women Development Association (AWDA).

In her address, the Chairperson of FIDA Anambra, Amara Muojeke Esq., introduced the team and highlighted the primary objectives of the visit: to raise awareness about the dangers and consequences of FGM, both medically and legally. She emphasized that Section 8 of the Anambra State Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act, 2017, criminalizes FGM, with penalties including imprisonment for offenders. The team also provided free medical tests, including blood pressure, blood sugar, and HIV tests, to women in the community.

Following the Palace visit, the group, led by Her Royal Majesty and the Chairperson of FIDA Anambra, walked to Otuocha Market, where they engaged the local women in conversations about FGM and the importance of rejecting this harmful practice. The outreach coincided with the Eke market day, offering an opportunity to reach a wide audience.

Approximately 80 women were tested, and throughout the event, speakers addressed a range of topics, including reproductive health, gender-based violence, maintaining healthy relationships, early marriages, and the stigmatization of people living with HIV/AIDS. Notable speakers included:

Mr. Cyril Okedinachi, Gender and Human Rights State Response Team (GHR-SRT) Programme Lead, ANSACA Representative
Mrs. Egoh Adaku, Anambra State Non-Communicable Diseases Coordinator and Gender Focal Person for the Ministry of Health
Dr. Helen Obi, Past Vice Chairperson of FIDA Anambra
Ifeoma Kachy Esq., Senior Member of FIDA Anambra
Dr. Hope Onyeka, Representative of the World Health Organization
The women of Aguleri expressed their gratitude for the event, eagerly participating in discussions, asking questions, and receiving helpful answers on their health and well-being. Many women also inquired about contacts for addressing human rights violations and gender-based issues, which were provided to them.

The event was attended by FIDANs, including:

Dr. Helen Obi
Ifeoma Kachy, Esq.
Chinelo Akorah, Esq.
Ginikachukwu Olisa, Esq.
Baribuma Kasi, Esq.
Mmesoma Oli, Esq.
This collaborative effort marks a significant step in raising awareness and combating Female Genital Mutilation in the region.

Empowering Women: FIDA Anambra Branch Joins Forces at 2024 International Women’s Day Celebration

Members of FIDA Anambra Branch were present at the 2024 International Women’s day celebration organized by All for Women Initiative Nigeria  (A-Win) in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Welfare, Children and Women Affairs, Anambra State. The event was held at the Dora Akunyili Women Development Center, Awka. Women from various sectors of the State were in attendance, Topics such as women in leadership position, Maternity health, Gender based violence were dealt on. The Speakers in the event included, Mrs.  Josephine Anenih, Fmr. Minister of Women Affairs and Prof. Kate Omenugha, The Vice Chancellor, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu University. At the event, the Commissioner for women affairs, Anambra State commended FIDA for the active role they play in the state whenever issues of children, sexual and gender based violence occurs. A standing ovation was given to the Commissioner of police, Anambra state and Chairperson of FIDA Anambra state branch who is Chief Magistrate presiding in the children, sexual and gender based violence court, for their commitment in seeing that justice is done at all times.

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

FIDA Nigeria Anambra State branch with support from MacArthur Foundation held a Debate on the effect of the unconstitutionality of section 396(7) of the Administration of criminal Justice Act (ACJA) as decided by the Supreme Court with an objective to provide a platform for Criminal Justice Actors to discuss the implications the unconstitutionality of this section has on litigants in respect of speedy trials especially relating to corruption cases across various courts.

FIDA Anambra Law Center

The gigantic FIDA Anambra Centre was commissioned on 28th May 2021 by the Country Vice President – Rhoda Prevail Tyoden during the tenure of Prof. Ogugua V.C Ijpeze.

Covid – 19 top-up fund intervention project

FIDA Nigeria, Anambra State branch with support from Action Aid and funding from Global Affairs Canada, visited two communities, Ukpor and Umueri, on the 13th of November, 2020, to implement the Covid – 19 top-up fund intervention project. The visit was aimed at sensitizing the leaders and members of the communities on the extant laws that deals with Human Rights Violation and Gender Based Violence (GBV) and to publicize fida’s services for legal aid and legal representation.

September 24, 2020

Stakeholders meeting with the Bar, the Police Force and Correctional Services to review the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) of Anambra state; identify the responsibilities of the stakeholders; highlight challenges faced by each stakeholder in implementing the law, as well as to profer strategies that will help to tackle the challenges for effective implementation.

1986-1988
Completion of the book titled “Law and the Family” which included a compilation of articles bordering on Human rights, FIDA goals and objectives (1st Edition)

Establishment of the FIDA Center at Ogui Road Enugu through the help of the Anambra State Government.

1988-1993

Less than one year after the Family Law centre was set up, FIDA Nigeria Anambra state branch received an invitation to a conference from a US based organisation known as OEF to make a presentation on the Challenges of Women’s Rights in Nigeria. The invitation was referred to the then Anambra state branch on the ground that we were in a better position to address the issues having set up a project on women’s rights. 

After the presentation, the then Chairperson, Theodora Oby Nwanwko met with the Country Representative of the Ford Foundation, Ms Mora Mclean who expressed interest in collaborating with FIDA on a project. A visit was arranged. Ms. Mclean and Mrs Azuka Azinge, a Program Officer at Ford Foundation met with members of FIDA on arrival and in the evening they had the opportunity to interview clients who were lined up as usual at the FLC for free consultations with FIDA members. The visitors reviewed the files of other clients that had been assisted. At the end of that visit, Ms Mclean commended the efforts of the members and called for a proposal for funding to assist FIDA with hiring a lawyer that would be a permanent staff at the FLC, obtaining an office of its own and furniture. 

A grant of $25,000 was awarded to FIDA and Ford requested FIDA to nominate a Project Coordinator who would be responsible for the project especially for reporting purposes. Theodora Oby Nwanwko was unanimously elected as the Project coordinator and a Project committee was set up to administer the grant. Thereafter, FIDA was invited to apply for a bigger grant and the sum of $375,000 was awarded to FIDA old Anambra state for three years. This time, the services provided were expanded to litigation, simplification and publication of laws, demystification of the court process, legal education and awareness through community outreaches, social advocacy especially with traditional rulers on abolition of harmful traditional practices. Members operated in groups to visit communities within the state to create awareness of existing laws and conduct legal education. 

Indeed the project registered several successes apart from providing succor to indigent women. Traditional rulers included women in their cabinets (something that was unheard of), Women and men understood they had rights and used services provided to claim and enforce those rights. 

1996-2000

Took FIDA to the nooks and crannies of Anambra State through very vigorous outreaches to schools, churches and communities and consequently, FIDA became a household name in Anambra State.

Collaborated and executed projects with organization eg WILDAF, WWF (WORLD WOMEN FORUM BASED IN CANADA)

FIDA members for the first time attended CSW in NEW York and WILDAF Conference in Ghana.

FIDA Anambra was adjudged the best dynamic branch in Nigeria.

2000-2005

FIDA Anambra led the advocacy for the passing into law of both the Child Rights Law of Anambra State and the Widowhood Law of Anambra State. 

FIDA Anambra also contributed to the development of a draft anti-corruption strategy for Nigeria 

2011

Foundation Laying Ceremony of FIDA Secretariat, Awka on 23rd June 2011 and construction of FIDA Secretariat up to Lintel level.

Publication of FIDA Voice in 2011. 

2013 – 2016

FIDA Anambra participated in the then First Lady of Anambra State, Chief (Mrs.) Margaret Obi’s team during the empowerment tours of women, girls and physically challenged persons in 21 Local Government Areas of Anambra State. During the tour, awareness was raised on the existence of the two Laws; Widowhood and Child Rights Laws of Anambra State. Women (especially widows) and girls were instructed on what to do when their rights were infringed upon. Copies of these Laws were equally distributed. 

In appreciation and support to FIDA Anambra State Branch’s activities, the Anambra State Government donated an eighteen seater bus to FIDA Anambra State Branch to support its Mobile Legal Aid Scheme 

CHRISTIAN AID/JDPC PROJECT: 

FIDA actively and successfully participated in this project. The project was sponsored by the Christian Aid. The project named V2P (Voice to the People) was aimed at giving voice to the marginalized people in the rural areas to hold their leaders, both elected and appointed accountable. FIDA Anambra State carried out this project in two Local Government Areas of Anambra State, Oraifite and Achalla LGAs with the Widowhood and Child Rights Laws in focus. Awareness of these Laws were created to the traditional authorities, religious leaders, men and women groups and 50 women and 50 girls were trained as para legals in each of the two LGAs. 

GLOBAL FUND FOR WOMEN USA PROJECT:

This project sponsored by Global Fund For Women USA was for the provision of Mobile Legal Aid Scheme in 30 Communities in Anambra State. The project duration was one year and scheme also based on training women, especially widows and girls on their rights under the Widowhood and Child Rights Laws. They were meant to, not only know their rights under these laws but they also demand those rights and ready to defend them. In addition they could also assist other members of the community to claim their rights. Success story was that women and girls were trained under the scheme..This project also sponsored the production of 2000 copies of both Widowhood and Childs’ Rights Laws of Anambra State.