by adminFIDA Nigeria Inaugurates Suleja Branch
It is Official!!!!
A brand new Branch has been added to the growing number of FIDA Branches spread across the 36 states of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory. This is because on Tuesday, the 15th of August 2022, FIDA Nigeria inaugurated its 46th Branch, ”FIDA (Nigeria) Suleja Branch Niger State”
The inauguration took place at High Court 2, Suleja Niger State, and had in attendance several distinguished personalities including the Country Vice President FIDA Nigeria, Amina Suzanah Agbaje; the National Secretary Eliana Martins; National Asst. Publicity Secretary Shaltha Nachamada; CVP emerita Rhoda Prevail Tyoden; Zonal Coordinator FIDA North Central Zone, Hajiya Laraba Shuaibu; Chairperson emerita FIDA Abuja Branch Rekia Adejo-Andrew; Chairperson FIDA Minna Branch, His Worship Bilikisu Labaran Kago; the Sarauniyyan Zazzau Dr. Rahmatu Hassan (who doubled as a Matron of the Branch); the Area Commander Suleja Police Command ACP S.M Musa; Chairman NBA Suleja; Ibrahim Bako Esq, the Route Commander Federal Road Safety Corps; Bar leader P.U Ekwueme Esq., amongst several Magistrates, distinguished guests and FIDA members.
The induction of FIDA (Nigeria) Suleja Branch Niger State as the newest Branch of FIDA Nigeria, forms part of FIDA’s commitment to reaching grassroot communities while scaling up its objective of protecting, promoting and preserving the rights of women and children. The formal inauguration of the new Branch was carried out by the Country Vice President FIDA Nigeria, after which Branch officials were sworn in by His Worship Ruth Ibrahim Dauda.
The inauguration of the 46th Branch of FIDA Nigeria was a monumental success underscoring FIDA’s dedication to broadening the scope of provision of pro-bono legal services, particularly to the grassroots where it is much needed.
by adminFIDA Abuja Branch Partners FCT Health Department To Renovate Labor Ward-Gwarimpa General Hospital.
The Executive Committee FIDA Abuja, ably led by the Chairperson, Chibuzo M Nwosu, On the 3rd of August 2023, paid a follow-up advocacy visit to the office of the Secretary of the FCT Health Department. The meeting was in view of the previous meeting held on the 1st of August 2023, by the Health Department to address the challenges hindering the passage into law of the FCT Health Insurance Agency (Establishment) Bill.
The Chairperson, identifying the role of the FCT Health department in meeting the Branch’s 2023 Work plan, proposed a meeting with the office of the Secretary, which the Acting Secretary graciously approved, Mr. Malan Haruna Noël.
The Chairperson informed them of the Branch’s adoption of the Labor Ward of the Gwarimpa General Hospital as a FIDA Ward, detailing the activities of the Branch in this respect which includes the assessments of internal and external structures of the ward. She outlined to the Honorable Acting Secretary and his team, consisting of the Director General Hospitals Management Board, Dr. Mohammed B. Kawu, the Director of Special Duties, Dr. Matthew Ashikeni, and the Head, of Medical Services, Dr. Osagie Osawade, the deplorable state of the Ward- the worn out ceilings, leaking roofs, cracked walls, and damaged air-conditioners which the Branch observed at its 2022 Law Week event, necessitating FIDA’s intervention.
The Acting Secretary expressed shock and thanked FIDA Nigeria Abuja Branch immensely for bringing the issues to their attention. He appreciated FIDA for the humanitarian work it undertakes and expressed hope to build a partnership with the Branch in further identifying and reporting to the FCT Health Department other labor wards within the FCT for their immediate action.
In this vein, the Acting Secretary (AS) acceded to the Branch’s request for a partnership in renovating the Labour Ward, which required the repairs of the ceiling, roof, structural damages to the wall, and other ancillary repairs. The Chairperson submitted to the AS and his team, the estimates for repairs and the former accepted the proposals, affirming its intention to complete all renovations within the month of August 2023.
The Chairperson expressed gratitude and promised to visit other hospitals within the FCT administration for future collaborations.
by adminWorld Day Against Trafficking in Persons 2023
Theme: ”Reach every victim of trafficking, leave no one behind”
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria lends its voice in commemoration of the 2023 International Day Against Human Trafficking, which falls annually on the 30th of July. FIDA Nigeria joins the United Nations System and all world organizations to raise awareness under the global theme ”Reach every victim of trafficking, leave no one behind”
According to the United Nations, “leaving people behind” in the context of trafficking in persons, means failure to end the exploitation of trafficked victims; failing to support victim-survivors once they are free from their traffickers, and leaving identifiable groups vulnerable to traffickers.
In commemorating the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, FIDA Nigeria organized a Webinar themed ”The Scourge of Trafficking In Person: X-raying Linkages With Gender Based Violence And Illegal Adoption”
Statistics show that 7 out of 10 human-trafficked victims are women and girls. The impact of this scourge poses a huge menace and causes the loss of basic human rights; loss of one’s childhood; disruption in families, and overwhelming and devastating mental health consequences.
FIDA Nigeria will continue to do all it can to fight against human trafficking in all forms and will continue to partner with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) to ensure that women and children live in a society free from all forms of exploitation and abuse.
FIDA NIGERIA resolutely and firmly stands against all forms of human trafficking and calls on the Government, Law Enforcement Agencies, the Public Sector, and all Civil Society Organisations to assess and enhance their efforts to strengthen the prevention, identification, and support of victims, while also striving to end impunity in this regard.
Every human being matters, let us respect their dignity. Reach every victim of trafficking, leave no one behind!!!
EndHumanTrafficking
WorldDayAgainstTraffickingInPersons
30thJuly
Signed
Amina Suzanah Agbaje (Mrs.)
Country Vice President/National President
by adminFIDA Nigeria is recruiting to fill the position below
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria is a non-profit, non-governmental organization made up of over 4,800 female lawyers with several years of experience in utilizing the law to address social problems in Nigeria. The organization’s mandate is the enhancement, promotion, protection, and preservation of the rights and welfare of women and children in Nigeria. FIDA Nigeria implements key projects and activities aimed at providing access to justice to indigent persons, particularly women, and children.
FIDA Nigeria is recruiting to fill the position below:
Job title: Monitoring & Evaluation Officer
Location: Abuja
Vacancy Type: Full-time
Terms of Reference
This position will be responsible for monitoring and evaluation of projects implemented by FIDA Nigeria. The M & E Officer will work under the overall guidance and supervision of the FIDA Nigeria National President/Country Vice President, National Secretary, and other National Executives, and report to them through the Program Manager.
Duties and Responsibilities
The successful candidate will carry out the following tasks:
- Develop and strengthen monitoring, inspection, and evaluation procedures;
- Monitor all project activities, expenditures, and progress towards achieving the project output with impact indicator;
- Monitor and evaluate overall progress on achievement of results;
- Provide feedback to the Program Manager on project strategies and activities;
- Suggest strategies for project management to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the project by identifying bottlenecks in completing project activities and developing plans to minimize or eliminate such bottlenecks;
- Report monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, and annual progress on all projects to the Country Vice President/ National President, Deputy, and Program Manager;
- Conduct capacity assessment on existing monitoring and evaluation system;
- Willingness to travel at short notice to project location
- Provide inputs, information and statistics for periodic reports to the project management team and development partners;
- Participate in annual project reviews and planning workshops and assist the Program Manager in preparing relevant reports;
- Perform other duties as required.
Competencies
1. Professionalism:
Demonstrates professional competence in women’s and children’s rights and the rule of law as well as, knowledge of related policies and practices at the national, regional, and international levels;
Demonstrates knowledge of programme management cycle, including monitoring and reporting;
Ability to identify and contribute to the solution of problems/issues with a display of persistence;
Conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines, and achieving results;
Motivated by professional rather than personal concerns;
2. Teamwork:
Ability to collaborate with colleagues within and outside of FIDA Nigeria to achieve organizational goals;
Ability to solicit inputs by genuinely valuing the ideas and expertise of others;
Willingness to learn from others;
Support and act following the team and organizational decisions.
3. Planning & Organizing:
Ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate, and monitor work while prioritizing competing demands;
Foresight for risks and contingencies when planning.
4. Communication:
Ability to write clearly and concisely and to communicate effectively with a range of audiences, including the ability to prepare reports and make presentations in a variety of fora;
Ability to conduct presentations by clearly formulating positions on issues, articulating options concisely, conveying maximum necessary information as well as making and defending recommendations.
Job Requirements
At least 5 years of experience in the design and implementation of M&E in development projects implemented by national/international NGOs/UN bodies/Government;
Experience in designing tools and strategies for data collection, analysis, and production of reports;
University Degree preferably in Business Administration, Economics, Statistics, or any of the social sciences;
Expertise in analyzing data using statistical software;
Strong training & facilitation skills.
Qualified candidates should send their curriculum vitae of not more than 2 pages with relevant details to the advertised TOR and a 1 paged cover letter addressed to the National Secretary, FIDA Nigeria to hr@fida.org.ng
The subject of the e-mail should be “Application for the Position of Monitoring and Evaluation Officer”.
Deadline: 25th July 2023.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
by adminPractice Direction Of The Acja 2015: Chief Judge Fct Commends Bold Step
FIDA (Nigeria) Abuja Branch supported by the Mac-Arthur Foundation, held a VALIDATION MEETING on the proposed amendments to the Practice Direction of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.
The Workshop was organized to harmonize the perspectives and contributions of various stakeholders on the lapses and gaps in the Practice Direction of the Act.
There was a review of focus areas in Case Management of Corruption Cases, Virtual Proceedings and Witness Funding recommended by participants towards incorporating into the Practice Direction of ACJA, 2015.
Present at the workshop was the Deputy Chief Registrar of the FCT High Court, Samuel Idhaliarhi, the NBA President, Y. C. Maikayu, SAN (represented by Huwaila Mohammed, Esq), Magistrates, Heads of Legal Departments from National Human Rights Commission, Nigerian Correctional Services, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Department of State Security, Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, Nigerian Law Reform Commission, Prosecutors from the Nigeria Police Force, Federal Ministry of Justice, Statutory and sub-committee members of the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee, Representatives from CLEEN foundation, Network of University Legal Aid Institutions (NULAI), Centre for Socio-Legal Studies (CSLS), Administration of Criminal Justice Reform and Review Department, PRAWA, PWAN Branches of the Nigerian Bar Association (including National, Bwari, Unity and Gwagwalada Branches).
Bringing the meeting to an end, it was however agreed that the recommendations and corrections be incorporated into the Practice Direction and conveyed to the CJ for implementation.
by adminStrike balance between work, family – Justice Odilli tells female lawyers
Tina Amanda
Retired Justice Mary Odili has encouraged female lawyers in the state to remain resilient in confronting any situation that may arise while balancing their career, family and work.
Retired Justice Odilli stated this while delivering her keynote speech during a seminar for female Lawyers, with the theme: “Build me up – Balancing Career, Family and Work”, organised by FIDA Rivers State in Port Harcourt.
She urged the female lawyers not to give in to unnecessary distractions over things that are not substantial but be focused on their career, family and work pursuits.
“I encourage you to be focused and not give up; any confrontation, you should not back off but rather confront it, and by God’s grace, you will prevail.
“Focus and hard work is the so that nobody will hold you to ransom”.
Chief Judge of Rivers State High Court and Chairman of the occasion, Justice Simeon Amadi, who Justice Kio ably represented, said that as much as work and family is enormous, the two most crucial area of human life must be balanced.
“The work requirements and family responsibilities could be enormous, especially in a male-dominated profession of ours, as a result of the enormity of a lawyer’s work.
“Children and parents tend to have lesser communication and conversation due to parents’ work and career. I am delighted that you have carefully chosen a keynote speaker and other distinguished speakers who have balanced their jobs, family and work.
“At the end of the seminar, it should provide the antidote to strike a balance between career, family and work”.
Chairperson International Federation of Women Lawyers FIDA Rivers State, Adata Bio-Briggs, said the seminar is part of their five years strategic goal to mentor women, not just female lawyers alone, but every career female in the state.
“One of our packages is mentoring because we have realized a need to mentor female lawyers and professionals.
“We need to learn how to balance our career, family and work; there is always this clash in balancing them, which is why we decided to have women who have done it successfully.
“We must have this balance because we must be successful as women and get to the top of our careers. There is always this struggle for family, career and all, so we need to learn from those who have done it; that was the essence of the seminar”.
by adminFIDA Nigeria Held a 3-day capacity-building workshop for 25 civil society organizations
Three-day capacity building workshop for 25 civil society organizations from Northern Nigeria on Gender Responsive Budgeting, the workshop which held in Jos, Plateau State is jointly organized by the
Palladium Group and FIDA Nigeria under the auspices of the USAID-funded SCALE project.
This workshop is aimed at enhancing the capacity of these organizations in applying gender budget analysis tools in their programming around gender equality and women’s rights, also assist them in supporting gender budget initiatives wherever they exist, while seeking clarity and understanding of the conceptual, technical, and political elements of gender-responsive budgeting.
by adminFIDA Nigeria 2nd Quarter NEC Meeting
FIDA Nigeria held its 2nd Quarter National Executive Council (NEC) meeting for 2023, from the 21st to the 24th of June 2023 in Akure, Ondo state. The meeting which had the theme “Digital Environment: Understanding Digital Skills for the Overall Development of Women and Children in Nigeria”, was hosted by FIDA (Nigeria) Ondo State Branch.
To kickstart the NEC Meeting, there was an advocacy visit on Wednesday, the 21st of June 2023 to the Ondo State Juvenile Correctional Center. The delegation was led by the Country Vice President/National President of FIDA Nigeria, Amina Suzanah Agbaje (Mrs.), where a legal clinic was conducted for Children in Conflict with the Law. The Hon. Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development Ondo State, Dr. Mrs. Juliana Ocheda, was present at the Correctional Center visit amongst other important dignitaries. That same morning, FIDA Nigeria led by its Country Vice President/National President, Amina Suzanah Agbaje (Mrs.); the National Publicity Secretary Christiana Adejumo; and the Chairperson FIDA Ondo State Branch, Catherine Ogunjebi; were at Crest FM 106.1 Akure for a 30 minutes enlightenment program which was anchored by Mr. Leo Olagbaye.
In like manner, another advocacy visit was paid to the Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly called Amotékun. The delegation was led by the Country Vice President/National President of FIDA Nigeria, Amina Suzanah Agbaje (Mrs.), together with the full complement of members of the National Executive Committee alongside other delegates. They were warmly received by the Corps Commander, Ondo State Amotékun Corps, and Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Chief Adetunji Adeleye, Fisn, who assured delegates of their safety whilst in the state and reinstated the Corps commitment to collaborating with FIDA. Thereafter, members of the delegation were treated to a familiarisation lunch. In the evening of Wednesday, 21st of June 2023, delegates were further hosted as part of the NEC activities, to a welcome cocktail to unwind from the stress of their travels.
An Aerobics/fitness session was held on the morning of Thursday, 22nd June 2023 to encourage members on the need to keep physically fit. The formal opening ceremony of the 2nd Quarter NEC Meeting followed soon thereafter and had in attendance the Executive Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON, as the Chief Host, ably represented by the Secretary to the Ondo State Government, Princess Catherine Oladunni Odu, who doubled as the Chairman of the Opening ceremony. The First Lady of Ondo State, Her Excellency Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu Akeredolu was ably represented by the Executive Secretary of Ondo State Agency Against GBV, Mrs. Bola Afolabi. Present also was the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Ondo State, Sir Charles Titiloye. The Keynote Speaker at the Opening Ceremony was Judge Funmi Asaolu of the Justice Court. In attendance also was Hon. Justice Ayedun Odusola, Chief Judge of Ondo State Judiciary, ably represented by Hon. Justice Adegboyega Adebusoye; Other Justices present include Hon. Justice Olabode Adegbehingbe of the Court of Appeal Ekiti Division; Hon. Justice Bolatito Ajibade of the Ondo State High Court; Hon. Justice Toyin Bolaji Adegoke of the Federal High Court Akure Division; and Hon. Justice Babatunde Adejumo (Rtd.); alongside a host of distinguished dignitaries and delegates.
The session on Continuous Legal Education (CLE) was held immediately after the opening ceremony, with presentations by erudite speakers. The session was moderated by the National Assistant Publicity Secretary of FIDA Nigeria, Shaltha Nachamada, representing the Chairperson of the CLE Committee, Prof. Felicia Anyaogu. FIDA Nigeria CLE sessions are non-negotiable key activities for every NEC meeting. This is in consonance with the association’s commitment to a continuous development of members’ capacity as highlighted in Goal 3 of its 5-year strategic plan, geared towards achieving an innovative and impactful organization.
During the CLE session, a wide range of topical issues were discussed. The papers that were presented include, “The Use of Technological Innovations in Advancing the Cause of the Child in Nigeria” by Hon. Justice Bolatito Ajibade of the Ondo State High Court; “Report Writing Skills: Accelerating FIDA Activities” by Chief Mrs. Olamide Falana of the Girls to Women Initiative and Special Adviser to the State Government on Gender issues; and “FIDANS: Empowerment and Leadership” by Hon. Justice Toyin Bolaji Adegoke of the Federal High Court, Akure Division. The CLE session was highly interactive and educative.
The evening of Thursday, 22nd June 2023 ushered in a glamorous cultural extravaganza with colorful displays by the various Branches from different geopolitical zones. Delegates were further entertained by the State’s indigenous dance troupe on the rich cultural heritage of the people of Ondo state; the various tribes resident therein; their languages; foods; etc. It was a beautiful evening showcasing the vibrant heritage of Nigeria’s beauty in diversity.
All work and no play as they say makes Jane a dull girl. This saying saw delegates on an adventurous hike to the ancient Idanre Hills on Friday, 23rd June 2023 as part of a cumulative fitness regimen.
The formal Business meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) commenced after the hike. At the formal meeting, matters that impact the organization were discussed, alongside a quarterly presentation of reports by the various Branches.
To round up the 2nd Quarter National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, a Dinner/Award night was held in the evening of Friday, 23rd June 2023. In attendance was the Executive Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON, ably represented by the Acting Governor Hon. Lucky Ayedatiwa; the Chairperson Closing Dinner Rev Mrs. Funke Felix-Adejumo; the Special Adviser to the Government on Gender issues Chief Mrs. Olamide Falana; alongside other dignitaries. Awards were presented to outstanding and deserving individuals including an Award of Excellence to the Governor, His Excellency Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON, which award was received on his Excellency’s behalf by the Acting Governor His Excellency Hon. Lucky Ayedatiwa.
All in all, the FIDA Nigeria 2nd Quarter NEC Meeting, Akure 2023, was a resounding success. Kindly find below links to pictorial representations of all the activities at the NEC meeting for your viewing pleasure.
FIDANigeria #NEC
by adminFIDA Nigeria held a review meeting for Women and Girl’s Rights Advocates/CSOs
Earlier today, FIDA Nigeria held a review meeting for Women and Girl’s Rights Advocates/Civil Society Organizations on tracking budget allocations, release and monitoring utilization/implementation of the 2023 National Budget as an Advocacy Tool for addressing Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) / Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) / Harmful Practices (HP)within the FCT.
#FIDANigeria #UNSI #UNWomen
by adminFIDA Nigeria Celebrates Hilda Baci as she sets a new Guinness World Record for the Longest Cooking Marathon by an Individual – 93 hours 11 minutes
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria Congratulates and heartily Celebrates Nigerian Chef, Hilda Bassey Effiong, as she sets a new Guinness World Record for the Longest Cooking Marathon by an Individual – 93 hours 11 minutes
According to Guinness World Record, “Hilda attempted to set a record of 100 hours, however, almost seven hours were deducted from her final total because she mistakenly took extra minutes for one of her rest breaks early on, in the attempt”
Hilda set the new record on Monday, May 15th 2023 at 8p.m surpassing the previous record held by Lata Tondon, an Indian Chef, in 2019. Lata Tondon cooked for 87 hours, 45 minutes, and 00 seconds to break the previous title.
Hilda Baci was born on September 20, 1996, in Akwa Ibom State. She is a multi-talented Nigerian TV producer, actress, head cook at FoodbyHilda. She cooked over 100 pots of food over the 4 days, to the marvel of those who watched her
As the CEO and head chef of @Myfoodbyhilda, Hilda has developed a reputation for providing delicious and healthy meals using locally sourced ingredients. She is also known for her innovative cooking techniques and creative presentation, which has earned her a loyal following of customers and fans.
FIDA felicitates with her, for being a great unifier and inspiration to many, especially as she has proven that hard work, planning, determination, focus and perseverance pays!!!
We applaud her efforts and successes.