by adminFIDA Nigeria Celebrates International Day of The Girl Child 2020
Theme: My Voice, Our Equal Future
We focus this year on paying attention to, listening and being inspired by what the girl child is challenged by, what her needs and desires are and how to best meet those needs in our different communities and the nation as a whole.
Adolescence is a decisive age for girls around the world. What transpires during a girl’s teenage years shapes the direction of her life and that of her family.
The Nigerian Girl Child Cry’s out:
‘I exist…Equally, Look at me;
I am in need of necessaries…Provide for me;
I am disrespected, shamed, abused…Protect me;
I have a vision…a dream…. It’s impressionable, Help me realise it;
I have a voice… I can use it. Listen to me!’
FIDA Nigeria lends her voice to the vulnerable women and children in Nigeria, utilizing the law to obtain equity and justice for all.
In commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child, 2020
FIDA Nigeria Says:
The Girl Child is not born to be invisible; allow her to carve a niche for herself
Educate the Girl Child and break the circle of poverty.
Our Daughters are special. Pay attention and listen to them, properly equip, support and enable them to be the best that they can be.
Create the right platforms for them to operate.
Save and respect the girl-child as she is the future of your family and society
Daughters are precious gifts. Receive them with Joy.
Girls are resilient and have an enormous untapped potential to contribute to healthy and peaceful communities. Let us passionately work at creating an atmosphere of love, peace, protection and equality for them to survive and thrive in and then let’s sit back and watch them take on the future, shining as Stars.
FIDA Nigeria Celebrates the Girl Child, born to Excel and Shine!
#DayOfTheGirlChild
#GenerationEquality
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 The Immediate Release of Her Member Ms. Paulette Bisola Ajayi By Her Abductors
FIDA Nigeria received the shocking and terrible news yesterday of the abduction of her Rivers State Branch Member, Ms Paulette Bisola Ajayi, by four fully armed men in front of her home in Port Harcourt.
We join in calling for the prompt safe release of Ms. Paulette Ajayi by her abductors and appeal to the Security operatives to put all machinery to rescue this young and promising lawyer.
We further appeal to the Governor His Excellency Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, to put all resources at his disposal in place to assist in the immediate rescue of our colleague.
Our hearts go out to her family especially her mother Mrs. Ngozi Kathryn Ajayi, a past Vice-Chairperson and active member of the same FIDA Rivers State Branch. We also pray for her quick recovery as she was seriously brutalized while trying to save her daughter from the hands of the abductors.
FIDA Nigeria commends the prompt action of the NBA National President, Mr. Olumide Akpata, in this matter; we repose our confidence in the six-member task force he has set up and offer our full support.
We similarly call for assistance from well-meaning Nigerians with key information about the whereabouts of Paulette Ajayi to come forward with the requisite information.
The issue of security of lives and property in the country is of paramount importance and the government must step up in dealing with this menace daily plaguing our communities. All around Nigeria the story is the same. Prompt cohesive action is required by the Government to save Nigerians.
Signed For: FIDA Nigeria
Rhoda Prevail Tyoden
Country Vice President/National President
FIDA Nigeria
Eliana Martins
National Publicity Secretary
FIDA Nigeria
by adminFIDA Ekiti Hosts a Stakeholders’ Meeting on the Administration of the Criminal Justice Law
On the 23rd September, 2020, FIDA Nigeria Ekiti State branch with support from MacArthur Foundation, organized a stakeholders training to establish a network of the Bar, Bench, Police force and Correctional Service in Ekiti state. The training is for the effective implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice law (ACJL) of Ekiti State 2014. The initial meeting was for the police force and the officers of the correctional service to discuss their responsibilities and challenges as provided under the law. a subsequent meeting will be held with the other stakeholders and finally a joint meeting bringing all the stakeholders together to strategies on ways to effectively work together towards achieving the effective implementation of the ACJL in Ekiti State.
by adminFIDA Rivers Hosts a Stakeholders’ Meeting on the Administration of the Criminal Justice Law
FIDA Nigeria, Rivers state branch with support from MacArthur Foundation organised a 4 day stakeholders meeting with the Bar, Bench, Police Force and Correctional Services to review the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) of Rivers state and the challenges faced by each stakeholder in implementing the law, as well as create an environment to enable networking to ensure effective implementation.
Justice Fiberesima 
by adminFIDA Abuja, Conducts a One Day Training for CSOs and Senior Government officials on Gender Responsive Budgeting
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
by adminFIDA Conducts Capacity Building Session for Community Paralegals in Jahi, Abuja
FIDA Nigeria 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.
#NigerianWomenMatter
#CanadaDevNG
by adminFIDA BAUCHI TO PARTNER with NIGERIAN CORRECTIONAL SERVICES IN ASSISTING FEMALE INMATES IN BAUCHI
The International Federation of Female Lawyers (FIDA) has indicated its readiness to partner with the Nigerian Correctional Service towards assisting female inmates in Custodial Centers in Bauchi.
This was disclosed by the newly constituted executives of FIDA Bauchi Branch led by its Chairperson, Barr. Fatima Abubakar during their courtesy visit to the Controller of Corrections Bauchi State Command, CCS Suleiman T. Suleiman in his Office on the 6th of August,2020.
Barr. Fatima Abubakar noted that FIDA was newly inaugurated in Bauchi for the purpose of addressing issues pertaining to women and children in the State, being that NCoS is a critical stakeholder, FIDA is set to partner with the Service with the aim of intervening on issues relating to female inmates, adding that the organization intends to visit all the Custodial Centers in the State so as to study the plight of female inmates with a view to addressing them where necessary,
In his remarks, the Controller of Corrections, Bauchi State Command, Suleiman T. Suleiman, commended FIDA Bauchi Branchi for the visit and assured them of his support for the successful implementation of their programs.
The Controller advised them to look into the rising cases of rape in the State, as well as debts related cases amongst women which mostly brings them to detention facilities and to also have or conduct a forum where Area Court Judges will be enlightened and encouraged to refer parties to settle out of court without having to be taking in for detention.
by adminFIDA Cross River Trains CSOs, Senior Government officials and Parliamentarians on Gender Responsive Budgeting
FIDA Nigeria, Cross River State branch held a training on August 4, 2020 for CSOs, senior government officials and parliamentarians on Gender Responsive Budgeting held at the Chamber of the Cross River State House of Assembly . At the occasion, FIDA and her network of CSOs put forward a set of Advocacy Asks aimed at achieving gender equality and the socio-economic well being of women and girls.
by adminFIDA Nigeria Condemns the Wanton Killings and Destruction of Lives and Property Across the Country
FIDA Nigeria Condemns the Wanton Killings and Destruction of Lives and Property Across the Country
A nation in turmoil with daily reports of deadly attacks on communities, the insurgency is real with the regular raping, maiming and killing of women and children. The displacement of communities, targeted assaults, kidnapping and abductions, stealing by criminals and bandits even operating on the highways is a real nightmare, the culprits are often labeled and called different names, but simply put, they are CRIMINALS and must be brought to book.
We often hear of ‘Fulani Herdsmen’ who have zero respect for the traditions, culture, lives and properties of the communities they pass through, the murderous activities of Boko Haram terrorists in the northeast and now Al Quaeda infiltrating our communities. Not to mention the religious, political turmoil in communities and tribal interstate border clashes the list is endless as it certainly paints a dismal bleak picture.
Our vulnerable members of society find it most difficult dealing with the resultant effect of the endless destruction of their homes, property and farmlands; disruption of any form of normalcy in their lives. They are often forced into IDP camps and resettled in strange lands to take ‘temporary’ shelter… north, south, east or west, (most recently, in Kaduna, Plateau, Taraba, Benue and Borno States) the nation bleeds, living in fear. Insecurity is stifling and killing everything and everyone.
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Nigeria, speaks out against these atrocities plaguing our nation cutting across most communities and states; we shout out that this is intolerable.
Nigerian lives are worth something and most of all, they matter!
Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) clearly provides that “…the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government”
This primary duty and responsibility of government is principally for the common good of society, to secure and protect the lives and property of her people; to maintain law and order; ensure peace, maintain social order, while regulating, enforcing and defending the people. Citizens are entitled to enjoy their right to life and right to own, use and enjoy their property.
We must appreciate that without peace and social order, there can be no stability, growth and development. As such, our people cannot reach their full potentials and this is a great loss and a tremendous disservice to the nation.
Government must therefore take most seriously its mandate and responsibilities including the fundamental need of providing necessary facilities and infrastructures; while putting in place requisite structures, processes and systems to ensure an organized, peaceful and orderly society.
The protection of people’s fundamental human rights is sacrosanct and when infringed, the opportunity to have easy access to justice, to seek redress from an independent judiciary is also paramount.
FIDA Nigeria is greatly saddened by the terrible state of the nation, plagued by massive conflict, crises and great insecurity. Our vulnerable women and children endlessly cry out. FIDA condemns this current state of insecurity across the country causing great grief, distrust, anxiety, pain, fear, panic, discord and distress to citizens.
As a nation we must respect and value human life. In addition, we must compel our law enforcement officers and agencies who are sworn to shield and protect ordinarily citizens to step up and do same. They must carry out proactive, quick intelligence and investigative work, constantly verifying information received while protecting informants and victims.
We must effectively check miscreant and criminal activity in society and stop thuggery and negative militia group influence in our communities; likewise, the influx of illegal foreigners and their criminal activities, as we must efficiently police and secure our borders. Furthermore, administrative, legislative and judicial interventions must be structured to support all this; with constant monitoring and oversight responses to checkmate corruption and excessive behavior tendencies of the agencies is also key.
FIDA calls on the Federal, State and Local governments, to rise up and protect the lives and properties of her citizens; to massively recruit, train, equip and deploy security personnel to all troubled states to curb this menace; to compensate those who have lost property and to diligently prosecute and punish all criminals rather than negotiating with, releasing and or paying off rustlers, blackmailers, abductors and kidnappers, all wrongly packaged under the guise of resolving conflict and maintaining peace and order.
FIDA sincerely commiserates with all who have lost their loved ones; as we look forward to total healing and peace in our beloved country Nigeria.
Signed: For FIDA Nigeria
Rhoda Prevail Tyoden
National President
FIDA Nigeria
Eliana Martins
National Publicity Secretary
FIDA Nigeria
by adminFIDA Nigeria Congratulates the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) For A Successful Election
The International Federation of Women Lawyers congratulates the Nigerian Bar Association ably led by the NBA National President Mr. Paul Usoro SAN, and his entire team, who worked hard to ensure a successful National General Elections for the NBA. We appreciate the efficient service provided ensuring a successful conduct of the election.
Furthermore, we congratulate the President-Elect Mr. Olumide Akpata & indeed all the highly distinguished elected officers of the just concluded NBA National General Elections. We look forward to a Greater Better Bar based on the beautiful promises you all made during campaigns. You must, as visionary leaders hit the ground running to accomplish the mission.
FIDA Nigeria in addition specially congratulates Mrs. Joyce Oduah FICMC who has made history as the second female lawyer to be elected as the Scribe of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) after Hairat Ade-Balogun (Life Bencher) who became the first female NBA General Secretary 39 years ago
Post Elections, we acknowledge that the elections were keenly contested following a lot of intrigues during the campaigns leading up to the elections. But in the spirit of good sportsmanship we encourage all parties to put the past behind and join hands to support the Bar move forward; united we stand tall and can accomplish all things for the general good of the profession and all.
FIDA is poised to support the NBA in achieving the association’s objectives. As key stakeholders and collaborators we stress that we desire a proactive, highly interactive, efficient, progressive, courageous, resourceful and inclusive Bar, doing great things professionally in the interest of ALL her members.
God bless you and grant you all great success as you serve passionately and diligently.
Congratulations & Kudos NBA!
Rhoda Prevail Tyoden
Country Vice President
FIDA Nigeria
Eliana Martins
National Publicity Secretary
FIDA Nigeria