by adminFIDA NIGERIA REFUTES SMEAR CAMPAIGN ALLEGATIONS IN DELTA STATE
The attention of FIDA Nigeria has been drawn to a statement issued by Ken Orusi, Media Assistant to Olorogun Barr. Kenneth Gbagi, published in NDM News Xclusive on 14th April 2021 alleging sponsorship of FIDA Delta to carry out protests, hold rallies and mislead the public through smear campaigns targeted against the Gubernatorial Aspirant in Delta State, Olorogun Barr. Kenneth Gbagi.
We state categorically that FIDA is an honourable non-political NGO with set standards, values, systems and processes and cannot engage in any dishonourable conduct nor be drawn into the political antics playing out in Delta State
We have not been sponsored to engage in any smear campaign against anyone, nor paid to carry out any dishonourable act. As professionals, we abhor such conduct and refute all these allegations asking for the strictest proof.
The correct facts are that FIDA Delta is engaged in ensuring that justice is secured for the harassed, violated staff of the said Olorogun and the legal matter being in court is subjudice.
We urge all key persons handling the different aspects of this matter not to be distracted by the allegations and innuendos but to carry out their professional duties to the best of their abilities
We demand a retraction of this statement and a published apology to FIDA as there is no merit to this.
We believe that the maker of the statement is aware of the consequences of his action.
Signed for FIDA Nigeria:
Rhoda Prevail Tyoden
Country Vice President/National President
FIDA Nigeria
Eliana Martins
National publicity secretary
FIDA Nigeria
by adminFIDA NIGERIA CALLS FOR JUSTICE FOR LATE ADAEZE IKPEAMA, A PREGNANT FEMALE LAWYER
FIDA is distraught by the news of the death of ADAEZE IKPEAMA, a pregnant Lawyer who was allegedly killed by her husband Mr. Anthony Ikpeama
Social media is filled with the news of how our deceased colleague has suffered domestic abuse almost immediately after her marriage and this has finally resulted in her death. We are more heartbroken to hear that two little children are going to suffer this pain of the loss of a mother as well as her family.
FIDA has continued to cry out to all women and children to seek help in such situations to avoid such a tragic end.
FIDA says Enough is Enough! This needless gender-based violence and killings must stop and all perpetrators brought to book.
What a travesty that a wife cannot feel safe in her home because of domestic abuse; that she cannot protect and carry her unborn child to full term; that the unborn child cannot be guaranteed life, birthed and celebrated as part of our future generation; that her spouse who should protect mother and child is the aggressor whom they fear most and it is indeed at his hand that they allegedly die.
There is simply no justification for such behavior. Society should not find this behavior acceptable; it is intolerable! This is certainly not a ‘family matter’ that can be settled or swept under the carpet under the guise of ‘Devil’s Folly’
We thank the Nigeria Police who has assisted in arresting the suspect – her husband and FIDA appeals for a thorough investigation to ensure effective prosecution. We are confident that justice will be served by the court with the maximum sentence, which will serve as a deterrent to others. All relevant key stakeholders’ must ensure speedy access to justice for Adaeze and her unborn child.
FIDA once more appeal to all to always engage in peaceful ways of communication and conflict resolution despite the frustrations and challenges of life, violence is never the solution.
Everyone going through any form of abuse or violation should please speak out, FIDA and several other organizations have their doors open to assist you, do not die in silence, there is no shame in seeking help.
FIDA Nigeria commiserates with her family at this time of such a colossal loss; as we pay tribute to a fallen colleague and mother of two beautiful children.
There must be Justice for Adaeze and her unborn child.
#justiceforAdaeze
Signed for FIDA Nigeria
Rhoda Prevail Tyoden
Country Vice President/National President
FIDA Nigeria
Eliana Martins
National publicity secretary
FIDA Nigeria
by adminFIDA Abia Sensitization Visit to Ohafia LGA of Abia State
On the 25th day of March 2021, FIDA Nigeria Abia State branch with support from MacArthur Foundation went on a community sensitization outreach to Asaga community, in Ohafia LGA of Abia State, on the provisions of the Administrative of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 using the simplified IGBO version
This intervention was to sensitize 40 members of the community, mostly indigent women on the existence and key provisions of the ACJA.
by adminNews Rebuttal
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) wishes to rebut a statement accredited to it in a recent press release by the Nation Newspaper titled ‘RIVERS LAWYERS KICK OVER WIKE’S ALLEGED PLAN TO IMPOSE CJ’ dated March 23, 2021.
One Chinyere Okoroafor asserted that a group under the aegis of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) asked Governor Wike not to approve the recommendation and appointment of Justice Simeon Amadi as Chief Judge.
We categorically state that the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) did not at any time release such a statement neither did we authorize any of our Officers both at the National and Branch levels to issue such a statement. We, therefore, disassociate ourselves with this press release. FIDA undertakes due diligence in airing her view and always prefer the option of dialogue before the release of a press statement.
We, therefore, appeal to the public and all persons mentioned in the press release to note this rebuttal.
Signed
For FIDA Nigeria
Rhoda Prevail Tyoden.
National President.
Eliana Martins
National Publicity Secretary
by adminFIDA Abuja 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.
by adminFIDA OSUN CELEBRATES IWD
FIDA Osun State paid a courtesy visit to the wife of the Executive Governor of Osun State Her Excellency Mrs. Kafayat Olaitan Oyetola in Commemoration of the International Women’s Day.
#IWD2021
#ChooseToChallenge
by adminINTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2021
As women all over the world gather today to celebrate international women’s Day, we focus on the United Nations theme “Women in Leadership: Achieving an Equal Future in a COVID-19 world”
The theme celebrates the tremendous efforts by women and girls around the world in shaping a more equal future and indeed, recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on humanity generally. Apart from health, there was a myriad of social and economic downturn with a disproportionate impact on women. The pandemic exacerbated poverty and gender inequality; increased the vulnerability of women as many in the informal sector were out of jobs during the lockdown. The pandemic most unfortunately also increased women’s unpaid jobs as caregivers to sick and elderly members of their household.
Article 21 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights embraces the right of every person to take part in leadership in his or her country. As such, FIDA has always promoted the equal access of men and women to power, decision-making and leadership at all levels as being a necessary precondition for the proper functioning of any democracy, such as ours.
The above theme is also in consonance with the priority theme for the 65th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women: “Women’s full and effective participation and decision – making in public life, as well as the elimination of violence, for achieving gender equality, and the empowerment of all women and girls.”
These all being efforts towards achieving gender equality and women’s full participation in the public sphere. Women, as usual, rose to the occasion and carried disproportionate burdens during the pandemic as health workers at the frontline, caregivers to sick family members and breadwinners; we remember them and applaud their efforts.
We note and also appreciate that the pandemic elicited the skills and perspectives that women bring on board, for which leadership traits are worth celebrating as a way to encourage more women in leadership, to shape a more equal future and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite the pandemic and its challenges, women defied all odds and still championed and accomplished great things, rising to the pinnacles of their careers, in sports, beauty and fashion, media, entertainment, healthcare, education, as entrepreneurs, in government appointments and even the Judiciary. We appreciate you and join in blowing the trumpet for you all as great Nigerian women breaking boundaries.
FIDA NIGERIA sadly notes that Violence Against Women is still rising astronomically with cases of sexual violence of women and girls, and domestic violence topping the list. FIDA states that effective participation of women in decision– making; elimination of violence against women and girls; and the empowerment of women must be priorities for all if gender equality will be achieved.
Accordingly, FIDA Nigeria calls on government at all levels, agencies, policymakers, legislators and corporate organizations, to incorporate the diversity of women and girls in policy formulation, implementation of laws, and all response and recovery programmes of COVID-19 and post-pandemic.
FIDA Nigeria celebrates all women in leadership positions at the local, national and international levels and encourages them to be steadfast and resilient in dealing with the challenges they face. The campaign theme for this year is #Ichoosetochallenge, We, therefore, enjoin all women and men of goodwill to raise their hands high to show and choose to challenge inequality.
FIDA Nigeria continues to work to support credible, hardworking, meritorious women to break the glass ceiling in their respective spheres of operation.
Watch our media space for the celebration of some women who have exhibited dynamic leadership in Nigeria,
Happy IWD 2021.
#IWD2021
#Ichoosetochallenge.
Signed
Rhoda Prevail Tyoden
Country Vice President/National President
FIDA Nigeria
Eliana Martins
National Publicity Secretary
FIDA Nigeria
by adminFIDA Condemns the Worrisome Trend of Abduction of Children from schools in Nigeria
Federacion Internacional de Abagados (FIDA) joins the Country Vice President and all members of FIDA Nigeria to unequivocally condemn the worrisome trend of abduction of children from their schools in Nigeria, and strongly urges the Federal Government of Nigeria to be alive to its primary constitutional mandate to ensure the welfare and security of the people.
FIDA notes with dismay that the abductions constitute an unacceptable and intolerable criminal violation of the Rights of the Child as recognised by the Federal Government and the various international and regional instruments that Nigeria has rightly endorsed.
FIDA decries the trauma impact of the abduction and its effects on the mental well being of the children and calls on the abductors to quickly release them. FIDA further urges the Federal Government of Nigeria to deploy all available resources to not only ensure the timely release of the school children but to also put an end to this deplorable trend.
FIDA requests the International community to provide support to this process and further require that the Nigerian Government lives up to its duty to ensure the safety of her children.
Carolina Rios Villota
President FIDA International
Florence Adokiye Amiesimaka
Secretary FIDA International
by adminFIDA NIGERIA PAYS COURTESY VISIT TO THE DG OF NAPTIP
On Tuesday, 23rd February 2021, the National Executive Committee, led by the Country Vice President, Rhoda Prevail Tyoden, paid a courtesy visit to the Director-General of NAPTIP.
The Country Vice President, Rhoda Prevail Tyoden, revealed details of disturbing trends of sexual and gender-based violence and proposed ways of strengthening the relationship between FIDA Nigeria and the agency with the aim of combating this menace
by adminFIDA CELEBRATES DR. NGOZI OKONJO-IWEALA, THE FIRST FEMALE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF THE WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION (WTO)
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria congratulates and celebrates a great Nigerian Woman, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who has accomplished a great feat having made history as the first female Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is a renowned economist and an international development expert having spent a 25-year career at the World Bank as a development economist, where she rose to the position of Managing Director, Operations.
Under the leadership of Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan respectively, she also served Nigeria diligently for two terms as Finance Minister (2003–2006, 2011–2015)
This strong Nigerian woman is industrious, tenacious and a great achiever having secured the support of the United States of America for the position of Director-General the World Trade Organization, particularly with the stepping down of the other contestant for the position, to pave the way for her.
We celebrate her for having broken the glass ceiling. We acknowledge her as a great pacesetter, a great model for women and girls to emulate and a fantastic mentor who is proudly Nigerian and who so beautifully showcases it.
FIDA felicitates with her, trusting that she will continue to display exemplary leadership qualities that will positively and most progressively advance the WTO for the benefit of all.
God bless and protect Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as she serves; we wish you great success. Congratulations!
Signed for FIDA Nigeria
Rhoda Prevail Tyoden
Country Vice President/National President
FIDA Nigeria
Eliana Martins
National publicity secretary
FIDA Nigeria