by FIDABuilding Stronger Leaders for Justice: FIDA Abuja Hosts Strategic Leadership Retreat
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria, Abuja Branch, held a transformative one-day leadership retreat on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, bringing together its Executive Officers, Principal Committee Leads, and Secretariat Staff for a powerful session of learning, reflection, and strategy.
The retreat, designed to fortify internal capacity and sharpen leadership effectiveness, marked a significant milestone in the Branch’s continued commitment to delivering on FIDA’s mission of advancing the rights of women and children.
In her welcome address, the Chairperson of FIDA Abuja, Chioma Onyenucheya-Uko, urged participants to seize the opportunity to learn, connect, and grow. “This retreat is a moment to align our energies, strengthen our foundation, and recommit to the values that make FIDA a force for justice and change,” she said.
Participants engaged in insightful sessions covering essential themes such as the FIDA Abuja Branch Work Plan, a SWOT analysis of current operations, committee-led strategies for achieving FIDA’s vision, and international best practices in accountability, transparency, and resource management. Additional sessions delved into effective team building, conflict resolution, and the unique architecture of FIDA’s leadership and organogram.
The retreat was enriched by an array of expert facilitators including Roseline Tasha, Rachael Rekia Adejo-Andrews, Chibuzo Maureen Nwosu, Wendy Kuku, SAN, and Amina Agbaje—renowned FIDA leaders with robust experience at both branch and national levels. Their practical insights and guidance equipped participants with tools for more effective and visionary leadership.
A highlight of the day was the “Experiential Nuggets” session, featuring thought-provoking stories and leadership lessons from Mrs. Ezinwa Okoroafor, President of FIDA International, and Chief Mrs. Victoria Awomolo, SAN, past Regional Vice-President. Their words inspired deep reflection and renewed commitment to service rooted in purpose and impact.
In a show of steadfast support, the retreat was generously sponsored by J.S. Okutepa, SAN, who delivered a rousing charge to participants—urging unity, love in service, and unwavering commitment to the cause of justice for women and girls. In recognition of his consistent support and dedication to FIDA’s ideals, he was conferred with the prestigious honorary title of Patron of FIDA Nigeria, Abuja Branch.
The retreat concluded on a high note—fostering camaraderie, purpose, and renewed resolve among participants to lead boldly and collaborate effectively. It set a fresh tone for the Branch as it continues to promote, protect, and preserve the rights and dignity of women and children across Nigeria.
FIDA Abuja remains unwavering in its mission—and with strengthened leadership and shared vision, the future of the Branch looks even more impactful.
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Mourns Victims of the Mokwa Floods, Calls for Urgent, Gender-Sensitive Humanitarian Response
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria is heartbroken over the tragic flood disaster that struck Mokwa, Niger State, on Thursday, May 29, 2025. Following a heavy downpour that began around 7:00 am, the town was submerged, claiming the lives of over 100 people—many of them women and children—and leaving thousands displaced.
Entire communities now lie in devastation. Homes have been washed away, families have been separated, and futures remain uncertain. The sorrow in Mokwa is profound, and the pain is real. Mothers are mourning their lost children. Families are seeking missing loved ones. Innocent lives have been cut short by a disaster they could not have prepared for.
The impact on women and children is particularly alarming. As the most vulnerable group in times of crisis, many women and children are now exposed to heightened risks of exploitation, abuse, and deep psychological trauma. Their safety, dignity, and well-being must be urgently prioritized.
FIDA Nigeria expresses its deepest condolences to the people of Mokwa and salutes the courage of survivors and first responders. We also commend the interventions of the Niger State Government, NEMA, and various humanitarian actors who are on ground.
However, the magnitude of this crisis demands a more coordinated, compassionate, and gender-sensitive response.
FIDA Nigeria calls on the government, civil society, development partners, and well-meaning Nigerians to:
• Prioritize the protection and needs of women and children in all response and recovery efforts.
• Provide legal aid and psychosocial support to survivors, particularly those who may be dealing with trauma, abuse, or displacement.
• Ensure adequate relief and shelter, with special attention to the health, safety, and dignity of women and girls.
• Include women’s voices in all stages of relief, rehabilitation, and long-term recovery planning.
In line with our mandate, FIDA Niger State Branch will be actively working with stakeholders to provide targeted legal and humanitarian support to affected women and children.
We mourn with Mokwa. We stand with its people. And we remain committed to doing our part to restore hope, uphold dignity, and ensure justice—especially for those who are often forgotten in times of crisis.
For FIDA Nigeria
Signed
Eliana Matins
Country Vice President
FIDA Nigeria
Chineze Obianyo
National Publicity Secretary
FIDA Nigeria
by FIDAFIDA Abia Partners with Abia State Ministry of Women Affairs for 2025 Children’s Day Celebration
FIDA Abia Partners with Abia State Ministry of Women Affairs for 2025 Children’s Day Celebration
In a bold and strategic move to deepen its commitment to child development and education, FIDA Abia on May 22, 2025, paid a high-level advocacy visit to the Honourable Commissioner and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs, Abia State. The purpose: to initiate a partnership ahead of the upcoming Children’s Day celebration scheduled for May 27, 2025.
Held at the Ministry’s Conference Room in Umuahia, the meeting was attended by the Honourable Commissioner, Dr. Aghukwa; the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Oguama; Chairperson Emerita of FIDA Abia, Mrs. Chidinma Alozie, Esq.; and a delegation led by FIDA Abia Vice Chairperson, Ure Otaka, Esq.
The visit, driven by the visionary leadership of Mrs. Alozie, Esq., introduced an exciting proposal — to reward excellence among schoolchildren through competitive activities. She emphasized the importance of motivating students through recognition and incentives. This forward-thinking idea received immediate support from the Ministry.
Welcoming the FIDA Abia team, the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Oguama, praised the longstanding partnership between the Ministry and FIDA Abia. She commended the association’s commitment to uplifting children and affirmed the Ministry’s willingness to amplify FIDA Abia’s visibility and impact. She revealed that the competitions for Children’s Day would include debates, quizzes, essays, march pasts, dance/calisthenics, and art/painting.
Representing the FIDA Abia Chairperson, N.L. Aniawonwa, Esq., the Vice Chairperson, Ure Otaka, Esq., reaffirmed FIDA’s support and proudly announced that FIDA Abia will sponsor prizes for the top three schools in the debating competition. This initiative aims to foster academic excellence, boost students’ confidence, and inspire a culture of healthy competition among schools.
The Honourable Commissioner lauded FIDA Abia’s enthusiasm and expressed the Ministry’s full support for the partnership, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts in advancing child welfare and education in the state.
Following the meeting, the FIDA team was warmly welcomed into the event hall, where students from various schools were already assembled for the competitions. Participating schools included Isieke Community Model High School, Legacy High School Isiama Afara, Government Technical College Afara Ukwu, Ndume Otuka Community Secondary School Ahiaeke, Holy Rosary Secondary School Umuahia, The New Exodus, Dozie Way Ikot Ekpene Road, and Unique Foundation Academy, Umueze Road Umuahia.
This timely collaboration underscores FIDA Abia’s unwavering dedication to protecting and empowering children through education, advocacy, and strategic partnerships.
by FIDASokoto Rises for Women: Stakeholders Unite to Back Reserved Seats Bill Across All Senatorial Districts
FIDA Nigeria, through her Sokoto State branch and in collaboration with her consortium partner — with the support of UN Women and funding from FCDO — successfully held five Advocacy Townhall Meetings across Sokoto Central, Sokoto East, and Sokoto South senatorial districts.
These engagements brought in key state-level actors: CSO leaders, union and association heads, traditional and religious leaders, and government officials — all working in shared commitment to amplify the political participation of women.
The focus? Rallying support for the Reserved Seats for Women Bill — a legislative proposal seeking equitable representation by securing 36+1 Senate seats, 74 seats in the House of Representatives, and 108 cumulative seats in State Houses of Assembly for women.
From the Warizi of Sokoto to Sarkin Gagi, from the Office of the Governor and his SSA, to FOMWAN, NILOWV, women politicians, judicial leaders, and citizens across the districts — voices rose in solidarity. The result: a powerful wave of endorsements, passionate advocacy, and a jointly developed Memorandum 📝 to be submitted at the National Assembly Zonal Public Hearing in support of the Bill’s passage.
This movement is no longer a quiet conversation — it is a loud, united call for change.
SpecialSeatsReserved4WomenBill
HerSeatInParliament
SideBySideCampaign
by FIDAAdvancing Women’s Representation: FIDA Nigeria Rallies Stakeholders in Anambra for the Reserved Seat Bill
FIDA Nigeria, alongside her consortium partner FOMWAN, with the support of UN Women and funding from FCDO, was in Anambra State to stir honest, necessary conversations on something that touches us all — women’s inclusion in politics.
At the heart of it all? The Reserved Seat Bill — a crucial proposal pushing for 25.4% of legislative seats to be set aside for women.
This isn’t about handing out favors. It’s about fixing a system that has long left women out of the rooms where decisions are made.
The energy in the room? Unmistakable.
Traditional rulers, lawmakers, labour leaders, commissioners, professors, women leaders, and the media showed up — and didn’t just listen.
They stood with us. Many signed and endorsed the Memorandum in support of the Bill — a clear message that the time for inclusion is now.
Sure, we know challenges may come at the Assembly level. But we’re ready — with facts, voices, and a growing community of Nigerians who know that fair representation isn’t a nice-to-have — it’s a right.
Because this moment isn’t just about filling seats.
It’s about justice.
It’s about representation.
It’s about building a Nigeria that leaves no one behind.
Let’s keep raising our voices. Let’s secure #HerSeatInParliament — and bring this vision to life.
SpecialSeatsReserved4WomenBill
HerSeatInParliament
SideBySideCampaign
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Leads Statewide Forum in Plateau to Strengthen Action Against Gender-Based Violence with Support from Ford Foundation
In Plateau State, a significant step was taken to deepen efforts in ending violence against women and girls. With the support of the Ford Foundation, FIDA Nigeria convened a statewide experiential learning forum that spotlighted critical issues and fostered impactful dialogue among key stakeholders.
The forum served as a strategic platform where traditional and religious leaders, civil society groups, male gender advocates, and state officials came together to assess progress in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV). Through open discussions and the sharing of lived experiences, participants examined successful interventions, identified persistent gaps, and explored new ways to better support survivors and prevent future cases.
What emerged from the forum was more than just insight — it was a collective renewal of purpose. Stakeholders pledged to reinforce collaboration, scale up effective strategies, and strengthen systems that protect the rights and dignity of women and girls across Plateau State.
This forum marks yet another milestone in FIDA Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to building a society free from all forms of gender-based violence.
fidanigeria #EndGBV
by FIDAFIDA Cross River at St. Patrick’s Parish for 2025 Children’s Day!
To mark this year’s Children’s Day, FIDA Cross River State visited St. Patrick’s Parish, Calabar, to engage children and parents on Child Safeguarding, the Child Rights Law, and the dangers of Cyberbullying.
Speaking during the event, the Immediate Past Chairperson of the Branch, Ms. Ann Awah emphasized the importance of protecting children from all forms of abuse and exploitation, both offline and online.
She gave an overview of the Child Rights Law, highlighting its key provisions and the responsibilities of caregivers, institutions, and the state in ensuring every child’s well-being.
At FIDA CRS, we’re committed to protecting every child’s right to safety, dignity, and a bright future — both offline and online. Let’s keep raising awareness and standing up for our children!
by FIDAFIDA Ekiti Celebrates 2025 Children’s Day
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Ekiti State Chapter celebrated Children’s Day with two impactful programs.
On May 26, 2025, FIDA Ekiti participated in a TV program at NTA Ado Ekiti to discuss the Child Rights Act. The discussion, led by Chairperson Ayobami Olowoyo-Richards, along with Busayo Adekeye and Awe Adeola, aimed to raise awareness about the importance of protecting children’s rights and promoting a safe and nurturing environment for them.
FIDA Ekiti also celebrated Children’s Day at Adeomi Primary Health Center in Iyin Ekiti. The organization gifted essential items such as diapers, wipes, soap, and baby oil to the babies at the health center. Key discussions during the event, also led by Busayo Adekeye, Awe Adeola, and Chairperson Ayobami Olowoyo-Richards, focused on:
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM): The harmful effects of FGM and the need to eliminate this practice.
Child Labor:The importance of protecting children from exploitation and ensuring access to education.
These programs demonstrate FIDA Ekiti’s commitment to promoting children’s rights and welfare in Ekiti State. By engaging in awareness campaigns and providing support to vulnerable children, FIDA Ekiti aims to create a safer and more nurturing environment for all children.
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Meets with Head of Civil Service to Strengthen Support for Women, Children, and the Vulnerable in Our Communities
The Country Vice President (CVP) of FIDA Nigeria, Eliana Martins, led a formidable team of distinguished FIDAN Amazons on an Advocacy/Courtesy visit to the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, OON, Mni. She was warmly supported by the Solicitor General of the Federation, Beatrice Jedy-Agba, alongside several Permanent Secretaries and Directors.
Discussions during the visit focused on key areas including: empowering and creating greater opportunities for women in leadership; promoting diligence, efficiency, and meritocracy in public service; investing in training and capacity-building initiatives; enhancing access to justice and protection for vulnerable groups; expanding legal aid services; and fostering mentorship opportunities for women within the civil service and broader society.
FIDA Nigeria commended the Head of Service for her visionary leadership and the remarkable strides being made through various innovative and progressive programs under her watch.
Present at the meeting were the FIDA International President, Mrs. Ezinwa Okorafor; Chief Mrs. Victoria Awomolo SAN; FIDA Nigeria National Secretary, Rachael Adejo-Andrew; and the FIDA Chairpersons from Abuja, Gwagwalada, and Suleja branches.
FIDA Nigeria remains steadfast in its commitment to driving forward policies that uplift lives, bridge inequalities, and leave a visible mark on the fabric of our communities.
FIDANigeria
by FIDAFIDA Niger State Strengthens Partnership with ICPC in the Fight Against GBV, Harassment, and Corrupt Practices
In a decisive move to strengthen the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), harassment, and related offenses, the FIDA Nigeria Niger State Branch, on May 28, 2025, paid a strategic advocacy visit to the Niger State Office of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Led by the Chairperson, Mrs. Bolanle Jibogun, Esq., the FIDA Niger team sought to build a solid collaboration with the Commission—particularly in the prosecution of cases under the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law. The team emphasized the urgent need for synergy in addressing sexual harassment and other offenses that fall within both the ICPC’s and the VAPP Law’s mandates.
During the meeting, FIDA Niger warmly welcomed the newly appointed Resident State Coordinator (RSRC) of the ICPC and reaffirmed the organization’s unwavering commitment to partnering with the Commission. The interactive session that followed allowed both parties to exchange insights and explore actionable strategies for collaboration.
In response, the ICPC RSRC assured FIDA of the Commission’s full support, especially in public sensitization programs aimed at educating citizens on the scope of offenses handled by the ICPC and how to report them. This assurance marks a significant step toward strengthening public accountability and justice in the state.
As a symbolic gesture of partnership, FIDA Niger presented the VAPP Law to the RSRC and also distributed awareness materials to support ongoing advocacy efforts.
This partnership is expected to accelerate the fight against GBV, enhance prosecutorial effectiveness, and deepen public awareness—ultimately advancing justice and accountability in Niger State.
