by adminCourtesy Visit from Solidarity Center
Yesterday, FIDA Nigeria received A delegation from Solidarity center on a courtesy visit with the Regional Coordinator (Sub Sahara Africa) @jacquelinewamai the visit was aimed at introducing the International Lawyers Assisting Workers Network (ILAW) also learn about FIDA’s key areas of interest.
by adminFIDA Nigeria Vehemently Condemns the Killing of Deborah Yakubu A Student of Shehu Shagari College of Education in Sokoto
A truly sad day when another young person is killed publicly in her prime through extra-judicial means
As a nation we must respect and value human life, FIDA Nigeria is greatly saddened by the reported gruesome killing and burning of Deborah Yakubu, a 200-level Home Economics student of Shehu Shagari College of Education in Sokoto, North-West Nigeria.
Reports suggest that she was violently stoned to death and later set ablaze by the angry mob, who are mostly students of the college because of her beliefs. FIDA Nigeria strongly condemns this condemnable Act.
Section 33(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (CFRN), 1999, provides that “every person has a right to life, and no one shall be deprived intentionally of his life, save in execution of the sentence of a court in respect of a criminal offense of which he has been found guilty in Nigeria”.
Furthermore, Section 38(1) of the Constitution makes provision for the citizen’s ‘freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, including the freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom (either alone or in community with others, and in public or private) to manifest and propagate his religion or belief in worship, teaching, practice, and observance.’
FIDA loudly calls for urgent action to investigate this deplorable incident and to hold those responsible to account. We must work together to ensure that all offenders are brought to justice and adequately punished in line with our laws, so it serves as a deterrent to others.
Government must as part of its responsibilities carry out aggressive advocacy and sensitization programs to educate the society about these rights and freedoms every Nigerian is entitled to enjoy, stressing respect for individual rights, cooperation, understanding, and tolerance
FIDA sincerely commiserates with the family of Ms. Deborah.
FIDA Nigeria remains committed to the promotion, protection, and preservation of the rights of women and children in Nigeria. We exercise our mandate through the provision of free legal representation for indigent women and children and also by advocating for gender-friendly reforms of the law.
JusticeForDeborah
Signed:
Mrs. Amina Suzanah Agbaje
Country Vice President/National President
FIDA Nigeria
by adminFIDA Nigeria Organises a Capacity Building Workshop for Fifty (50) Traditional & Faith Leaders On SGBV, CEFM & CTIP Response Strategies
FIDA Nigeria in collaboration with Palladium under the SCALE (Strengthening Civil Advocacy & Local Engagement) Project which is being supported by USAID is strengthening the capacity of fifty (50) traditional and faith Leaders on SGBV, CEFM & CTIP prevention and response strategies across twenty-four (24) local communities where these issues are prevalent.
In a statement by her Programme Manager, Mr. Fikih Obaro, he stated that these training will hold in the month of May 2022 in Delta and the Federal Capital Territory and is meant to increase gender-sensitive information and awareness-raising on the menace because Traditional and Faith Leaders are uniquely placed to prevent SGBV & CEFM where they are domiciled, given their understanding of the local context, and having native knowledge of predisposing factors & practices that encourage and allow SGBV, CEFM, and TIP to thrive. These 24 communities cut across six states namely Delta, Bauchi, Katsina, Ebonyi, Federal Capital Territory, and Osun States respectively.
It is our expectation that at the end of this training workshop, traditional and Faith Leaders will be well equipped to serve as advocates and paralegals which will transcend in the development of byelaws in preventing this menace. Furthermore, they will be able to institutionalize and establish coordinated response and referral pathways in tandem with Law Enforcement agencies towards ensuring arrests and prosecution of perpetrators of these crimes, while working with state actors to create a gender sensitive& protective environment for survivors.
Amina Suzanah Agbaje (Mrs)
Country Vice President/National President
by adminValediction: FIDA celebrates with Justice Mary Peter Odili
By Lillian Okenwa
Along with dignitaries from all walks of life, members of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria turned out in their numbers to grace the valedictory session of Hon. Justice Mary Peter Odili who bowed out of the Supreme Court of Nigeria on Thursday, May 12, 2022.
Mary Ukaego Peter Odili, the third woman to ascend the Supreme Court bench in Nigeria is the pioneer Chairperson of FIDA Nigeria Rivers state.
From a lowly Magistrate Grade 3 in 1978, Justice Odili, daughter of a former Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Owerri Branch, Eze Bernard Nzenwa, rose to the highest court in the land — the Supreme Court of Nigeria — in 2011.
Below are photos of the event.
by adminCourtesy Visit to NDLEA
FIDA Nigeria led by her Country Vice/National President (CVP) Amina Suzanah Agbaje, on Tuesday 11th May 2022, paid a courtesy visit to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) headquarters in Abuja. the team was received by the DG NDLEA Brig. Gen Buba Marwa (Rtd) and other staff of the agency.
In her speech, the CVP reiterated the need for the visit as it has become imperative to maintain a cordial relationship with the NDLEA seeing that the agency has done exceptionally well in curbing the menace of drug abuse in Nigeria. The DG on his part appreciated the courtesy visit and assured FIDA Nigeria of a robust and effective collaboration between the two bodies.
by adminFIDA Abuja Advocacy Outreach
On the 2nd of May 2022, FIDA Abuja branch ably 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).
It was an eventful outing as the members of the community expressed their gratitude on FIDA’s visit
by adminCourtesy Vist from Peace Education and Practice Network
FIDA Nigeria received a delegation from Peace Education and Practice Network (PEPNET) foundation led by Adeeso, Adedoyin Omolara Program Development Officer, on a courtesy visit, on Tuesday 26th, 2022.
The purpose of the visit was to establish a working relationship and discuss areas of possible partnership in implementing projects, training and capacity building around peace and conflict resolution.
by adminFIDA Warri Branch Pays Courtesy Visit to Honourable Justice T.O. Uloho
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Warri Branch ably led by her Chairperson Megbele Ogechi Jessica with members of the Executive Committee on 25th day of April, 2022, paid an advocacy visit to the Administrative Judge of Otu-Jeremi High Court, Honourable Justice T.O. Uloho at the Otu-Jeremi High Court premises.
The advocacy visit to the administrative Judge is to solicit support and also for membership drive.
The visit was a huge success, Honourable Justice T.O. Uloho in her response commended the branch and its leadership, and encouraged the Executives to reach out to other members of the bench and old FIDA pioneer members and further pledged her support for the branch.
The Branch also presented to Hon. Justice Uloho a branded throw pillow.
More photos from the courtesy visit
by adminFIDA Lagos Paid a Courtesy Visit to the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lagos State
FIDA Lagos led by the Chairperson, Mrs. Chinwe Efobi paid a courtesy visit to the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lagos State on Wednesday 20th of April 2022. Present at the meeting were four Directors of the Ministry including the Solicitor General.
The visit was aimed at enhancing the synergy between the Ministry and FIDA Lagos, intimating the Attorney General of outlined programmes and seeking the Ministry’s support.
The Chairperson spoke on behalf of the delegates, she discussed upcoming law week plans and requested for FIAT to enable FIDA Lagos to assist the Ministry in cases involving violation of women and children’s rights. The Chairperson also spoke on the proposed renovation of the Secretariat.
It was indeed a very successful and rewarding outing.
by adminFIDA Nigeria Implemented a One-day Workshop on the ACJA/L in Ekiti State
FIDA Nigeria with support from Macarthur Foundation implemented a One-day Workshop in Ekiti State on the Administration of the Criminal Justice Act/Law (ACJA/L) and other Anti-Corruption Legislative Frameworks in Nigeria, on the 20th of April 2022. In attendance were participants from the NPF, Judiciary, NDLEA, NSCDC, INEC, Ekiti State University, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Afe Babalola University, and FIDA members from private practice and other MDAs.
The content of the workshop was robust, engaging and participatory.
At the end of the lectures, the participants came up with an Action Plan which is to be carried out by FIDA Ekiti, being a member of the Ad hoc ACJMC, through her Excos to ensure that actions are taken on suggestions raised during the training.
