Bayelsa

Date of branch inauguration: 1996

1998-2001

Chairperson- Justice Maltilda Ayemieye

Secretary- Mrs. Didi Walson Jack

2001-2003

Chairperson – Mrs. Didi Walson Jack

Secretary- Rowena Abassah

2003-2005

Chairperson – Abassah Rowena

Secretary- Justice Excel T. Gentu

2005-2007

Chairperson – Justice Excel T. Gentu

Secretary- Ebilade Boye

2007-2009

Chairperson – Julie Oguara

Secretary- Melody Aderogbe

2009-2010

Chairperson – Ebilade Boye

Secretary- Ezuogha Ogborodi

2010-2011

Chairperson – Bomor Obhe

Secretary – Ezuogha Ogborodi

2011-2013

Chairperson – Mavis Pat Sini-Ototo

Secretary – Ayibatari Abarigu

2013-2015

Chairperson – Pere Amanda Egbuson

Secretary – Linda Ibegu

2015-2018

Chairperson – Dise Ogbise-Erhisere

Secretary – Amaemi B.P Bekeyi-Alaki

2018- 2021

Chairperson – Tariere Egbegi

Secretary – Ebimietei Ekeowei Ottah

 2022 – 2024

Chairperson – Deme Debra Pamosoo

Vice Chairperson – Ebiere Emmanuella Ekpese

Secretary – Mercy Isaac Ayaowei

Publicity Secretary – Aima Wosilat Borisei

FIDA Bayelsa Hosts Interactive Session with NDU Students’ Associates

On September 6th, 2024, the Bayelsa State Branch of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) held an interactive session with the Niger Delta University (NDU) students who are associates of FIDA Bayelsa. This marked the first official program organized by the student associates under the theme: “Finding a Balance; Let’s Talk About You.”

The event focused on educating female students on key ethical concepts, particularly in the context of love, consent, and adulthood. Discussions also highlighted the impact of mental and emotional stress on students and offered solutions for balancing personal life with academic responsibilities, especially for law students.

The program further enlightened attendees on the role and functions of FIDA, particularly in cases concerning vulnerable women and children. The students were encouraged to remain dedicated to their studies while taking on the role of paralegals in partnership with FIDA to help achieve justice for the underprivileged.

This initiative underscores the importance of fostering leadership and social responsibility among the next generation of legal professionals.

#FIDABayelsa #NDUAssociates #EmpowermentThroughEducation #JusticeForAll
 

Children’s Day May 27 2023

It was an interesting time today as FIDA Nigeria, Bayelsa State Branch was at it again celebrating children on the International Day of Children with the theme “Investing in our children means investing in their future” at the Bayelsa State Secondary School Netball challenge 2023, which was the finals and medal presentation today with a pep talk while celebrating the children.

FIDA Nigeria, Bayelsa State Branch commemorates the International Day of the Boy Child at the Cedar Court British International School

Theme: “The Boy and His Mental Health”
16th May 2023, is a day focused on boys and their well-being, their needs to feel happy, healthy, and valued within family and community as well as advocating for their fundamental human Rights.

SPEAKERS:
Deme Debra Pamosoo (Mrs)Esq.ACarb.
Dr. Oyinkare Omemu-Harrison.

The school also engaged and celebrated the children in its SPRING ARTS FESTIVAL. The boys indeed had an amazing celebration and Advocacy to protect and build their mental health.

Radio Bayelsa 97.1 Glory FM on the program “The Law and Society”  9th May 2023

Earlier today, FIDA (Nigeria) Bayelsa State Branch represented by her Chairperson Deme Debra Eriye Pamosoo Mrs.Esq. alongside representatives from the Ministry of Women Children Affairs and Social Development and Empowerment Mr.Idenyefa Diongole and James Young-Desk officer of the Children Parliament.

@ Radio Bayelsa 97.1 Glory FM on the program “The Law and Society”
Topic: “Child Slavery”.
It was engaging, interactive and educative

One-day validation workshop on the developed practice direction of Bayelsa State ACJL

The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria, Bayelsa State Branch, with support from MacArthur Foundation (MAF) on the 3rd day of March 2023, successfully held its Validation Exercise on the Bayelsa State ACJL 2019, Practice Direction which was Developed at the workshop held on the 19th day of December 2022.

In attendance was the Acting Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, who was represented by Hon. Justice Eradi, and other Judges, Magistrates, representatives from the Ministry of Justice, Nigerian Police Force, National Human Rights Commission, Legal Aid Council, and members from the Nigeria Bar Association.

The participants and the consultant went through the draft extensively while making necessary inputs. After all corrections and observations were made, participants affirmed the document, and all agreed that same be forwarded to the Acting Chief Judge for his final input and signing.

The Validation Exercise came to an end with the presentation of copies of the Bayelsa State ACJL 2019, to the various stakeholders in the criminal justice sector to foster effective implementation stemming from accessibility to the principal law.

Stakeholders Consultative Meeting on The Implementation of The Administration of Criminal Justice Law-ACJL 2019

FIDA, (Nigeria) Bayelsa State Branch was ably represented by the vice chairperson Ebiere Ekpese Esq.  Mercy Isaac Ayaowei Esq. secretary and Joan Ballard Esq.  the MacArthur Foundation program officer at the just concluded One Day Stakeholders Consultative Meeting on The Implementation of The Administration of Criminal Justice Law-ACJL 2019 In Bayelsa State held on the 5th day of October 2022, organized by The Civic Space Watch Cluster in Collaboration with The Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Council (ACJMC) Bayelsa State

On the Implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL 2019) in Bayelsa State.

At the end of the program they came up with key development point for advocacy such as:

• Stop police brutality
• Report torture by law enforcement agencies
• Video recording for confessional statement
• No one is above the law
• Say no to violence
• Training and retraining of the law enforcement agencies
• Train every actor of the criminal justice system
• Be conversant with the ACJL
• Regular mental evaluation for law enforcement agencies. Amongst others

Thanks to MacJim Foundation and USAID in collaboration with the ACJMC.

Courtesy Call on His Excellency the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State.

Courtesy Call on The Hon.Chief Judge Of Bayelsa State Judiciary And Grand Patron Of The Branch

The International Federation of Women Lawyers FIDA (Nigeria) FIDA Bayelsa branch led by her Chairperson Mrs.Deme Debra Pamosoo Esq. paid a courtesy call on the Hon.Justice KATE ABIRI (CON) The Hon.Chief Judge of Bayelsa State Judiciary and grand patron of the branch on the 5th of July 2022.

International Day Against Drug Abuse And Illicit Drug Trafficking

The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria, Bayelsa State Chapter was part of a road walk sensitization campaign in commemoration of this year’s International Day Against Drug Abuse And Illicit Drug Trafficking, organized by the Bayelsa State Drug Abuse Prevention And Rehabilitation Committee with the support of Bayelsa State Government, United Nations Office on Drug And Crime (UNODC) and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

Courtesy Visit to the Office of the Assistant Inspector-General

FIDA Nigeria, Bayelsa State chapter, led by her Chairperson, Deme .D. Pamosoo Esq, paid a courtesy visit to the office of the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, AIG A. E Ayim.
The Chairperson FIDA Bayelsa reiterated the purpose of the courtesy visit, which is to collaborate with the Zonal Command, in line with FIDA’s mandate in upholding, promoting, and protecting the rights of vulnerable women and children. She also expressed her condolences to the AIG. on the demise of the immediate past AIG. of the Zonal Command and a minute, silence was observed for the deceased.

Some of the issues discussed with the AIG, were offenses committed against women and children such as rape, defilement, women inheritance, women standing as sureties, the right of a woman to own or acquire property in her name before or during marriage, amongst others. She stressed the need for the office of the AIG to give attention and support to such matters, in order to arrive at a logical conclusion or determination as the case may require.

Furthermore, Tariere Egbegi Esq. Chairperson emeritus, FIDA Bayelsa, emphasized on the need for utmost priority to be given to matters wherein a spouse commits domestic violence against his partner. That such cases should be handled in its criminal form and be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The AIG. in his response thanked FIDA Bayelsa for the courtesy visit. He addressed the issues bothering on the rights of women and children, crimes committed against them and the commitment of his office to investigate and prosecute such matters.
In conclusion, the AIG. pledged the maximum support of his office and urged FIDA Bayelsa to carry out enlightenment programmes, to educate Bayelsans on the aforementioned issues with respect to women and children.

The Chairperson FIDA Bayelsa State Chapter presented to the AIG. copies of the simplified version of The Administration of Criminal Justice Law Of Bayelsa State, 2019 and the FIDA Bayelsa magazine.

FIDA Bayelsa Commemorates Children’s Day 2022

FIDA Bayelsa In Commemoration of Children’s Day, on the 27th of May 2022 in a delegation ably led by the Chairperson, Mrs.Deme Debra Pamosoo, Past Chairperson emeritus Dise Ogbise, some EXCOs and members were speakers on a sensitization to protect and prevent the molestation of the Girl-child in Township and Modern Primary Schools Ovum with a sum Total of 578 Pupils which included boys and girls from both schools.

The pupils were thought about the dangers of bullying and the need to shun the act as it is punishable under the law and as such should never be encouraged. Food items were also presented to the Pupils through their head teachers. the need to break the culture of silence was also emphasized.
At the end, helplines and the address of FIDA Bayelsa State was given and written by the Pupils to call and reach out to FIDA whenever the need arises.

FIDA Flags Off Zonal Youth Camps

On the 3rd of May, 2022, the Nigerian Girl Guides Association (NGGA) Bayelsa State Branch formally flagged off its Zonal Youth Camp at the Niger Delta University Auditorium, New Site, Wilberforce Island, and Bayelsa State.

FIDA Bayelsa was invited as a Guest of Honour. The program showcased several interesting activities by the youths including musical performances, panel discussions and motivational speeches. A bouquet made from green and white coloured regular household nylon bags was presented to the representative of H. E. Dr. Mrs. Gloria Ebibomo Diri, during the official flag-off of the camp.

The program came to an end following goodwill messages from FIDA, the representative of the Vice-Chancellor of Niger Delta University, the Dean of Students Affairs, and the Zonal Youth Coordinator, Miss Bolouere Ikpeteboa.
#FidaNigeria
#FidaBayelsa

One-day Workshop on the ACJA and other Anti- Corruption legislative frameworks in Nigeria

FIDA Nigeria, Bayelsa State branch with support from Macarthur Foundation on the 6th of April 2022, held a one-day workshop on the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and other Anti-Corruption legislative frameworks in Nigeria.

Participants were drawn up from the different Justice sectors, comprising Fidans from the Judiciary, Ministry of Justice, the Nigerian Bar Association, the Nigerian Police Force, and the National Agency For The Prohibition Of Trafficking In Persons (NAPTIP)

Also, Participants were engaged in a pre-evaluation exercise to ascertain their level of preparedness for the training.

The outcome of the workshop/training with regards to the application of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Bayelsa State, 2019, is to improve the criminal justice system and to reduce corruption, in the criminal justice system in Bayelsa State.

The workshop/training was indeed impactful, there was an overhaul of the Justice system and the need for the effective application of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law and other relevant Anti- Corruption Legislation in Nigeria by the various Justice institutions in curbing corruption in the Justice system in Bayelsa State.

International Women’s Days 2022

On the 8^th of March 2022, FIDA Bayelsa in collaboration with the First Lady of Bayelsa State, HE Dr. (Mrs.) Gloria Diri and other NGO’s, CSO’s, the Media, Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, Empowerment and Social Development had a road walk to the Bayelsa State House of Assembly in commemoration of the International Women’s Day Celebration.

STAND OUT ACTIVITIES SINCE INCEPTION:

Visit to Cedar Court British International School (CCBIS)

FIDA Bayelsa, led by the Chairperson, Deme Pamosoo, Esq, on the 1st February 2022, were guests at the Cedar Court British International School (CCBIS) Yenagoa to sensitize the pupils on sex education. The aim of the lecture was to provide the children with age-appropriate information about their body development as well as empower them with skills to assist them in making proper decisions about their bodies.

The children were taught the proper names for their body parts, private and public parts of the body, PANTS slogan, good touch, and bad touch as well as recognizing abusive traits.

The children had lots of questions and the session ended on a very pleasant note. The school was extremely thankful and expressed enthusiasm for a partnership with FIDA.

Other FIDANS in attendance were Siya Daniels, PY Zimughan-Ogunbajo, Brakemi Ohaka and Miss Fele.

Courtesy Visit to the Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Bayelsa State.
FIDA Bayelsa led by the Chairperson, Deme Debra Pamosoo Mrs. (ESQ.), paid a courtesy visit to the Honourable Attorney-General of Bayelsa State at the Ministry of Justice on Friday 28 January 2022.

FIDA’s visit was aimed at seeking collaboration in the fight against societal ills such as child trafficking, rape, defilement, ritual killings, spousal battery, assault, and abandonment without means of sustenance, uncivilized widowhood practices, incest, child marriage, etc. which are some of the cases reported at the FIDA office Secretariat on a daily basis.

The Honourable Attorney General, Biriyai Dambo (SAN) in his reply pledged his unrelenting collaboration with FIDA in her plight against societal ills.
#FidaNigeria
#FidaBayelsa

Walk Against Ritual killings/Cultism Bayelsa State

On the 21st of January 2022, Her Excellency Dr Mrs. Gloria Diri wife of the Executive Governor of Bayelsa State spearheaded a sensitization walk against Ritual killings/Cultism with the Bayelsa State Gender Response Initiative team in collaboration with The Committee for Democracy and Environmental Dividends, FIDA Bayelsa Branch amongst key Stakeholders.

Courtesy/Advocacy Visit to The Bayelsa State Command on The Effective Implementation of The Administration Of Criminal Justice Law Of Bayelsa State, 2019.

On the 11th of February 2022, FIDA Nigeria with support from Mac Arthur Foundation project for the effective implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Bayelsa State 2019(ACJL), FIDA Bayelsa State Chapter led by her Chairperson, Mrs. Deme.D. Pamosoo paid a courtesy/advocacy visit to the Bayelsa State Police Command. FIDA Bayelsa team was received on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, by the Deputy Commissioner of Police on Administration and Finance Unit, DCP Tolani Alausa and his team of officers comprising of the O/C Conflict Resolution Unit, O/C Gender Unit, a Superintendent of Police, PA to the Commissioner of Police, a representative from the office of the PPRO and an officer from the Conflict Resolution Unit. Copies of the simplified version of the ACJL were presented to the Deputy Commissioner of Police, by the FIDA Nigeria- Mac Arthur representative in Bayelsa State, Joan Ballard Esq.
The sole aim of the Courtesy visit to the Bayelsa State Police Command was to sensitize/create an awareness for the effective implementation of the ACJL. Mrs Deme. D. Pamosoo emphasized on the need by the Police to comply with provisions of the ACJL in the discharge of its duties, since the law has been domesticated in the state, in the year 2019.

The Chairperson, the Publicity Secretary, Mrs Aima .W. Borisei, and Chairperson emeritus Mrs Pere Egbuson, highlighted salient provisions in the ACJL bothering on Arrest – Section 4(1) which provides for the right of the person being arrested to be notified of the cause of the arrest; S. 6(2) – Search of a woman by the Police; S. 10(3) which outlines that a confessional statement of a defendant is to be recorded on video or where it is in practicable, then it should be in writing taken in the presence of a Legal Practitioner or any person of his choice; S. 117(3) stipulates that a woman should not be prevented or restricted from entering into a recognizance or standing as surety or providing any security which is against her constitutional rights as enshrined in S. 41 of the 1999 Constitution, which provision is against the discrimination of a person; S.143 which provides for the rights of married women in respect of the protection and security of her own separate property; and S. 201 that provides for the protection of the identity of a victim or witness in relation to the offences of rape, defilement, sexual abuse and other related offences.

In his response, DCP Tolani Alausa acknowledged that senior Police officers ensure total compliance with the provisions of the law in the discharge of their duties. He further made an appeal to the FIDA Bayelsa team to organize sensitization lectures for officers of the Bayelsa State Police Command, wherein the intent and the effective implementation of the ACJL will be made known to a larger audience.

FIDA Bayelsa today the 7th Day of February 2022, were Delegates at the opening ceremony of the Bayelsa State Education Summit. Theme: Optimizing The Delivery, performance, and Sustainability of Outcomes in the Education Sector. The Summit was organized by Bayelsa State Ministry of Education in collaboration with wider perspective Limited. The Summit was aimed at organizing an All-Embracing Educative Summit towards a 15 year Plan and a Domesticated State Policy for Sustainable, Rapid, and Improved Education Delivery and Development.

In attendance at the summit were His Excellency Sen. Douye Diri Governor of Bayelsa State, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR Former President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Sen. Lawrence O.Ewhrudjakpo amongst other top government functionaries.

To further mark the commemoration to the international day of zero tolerance to female genital mutilation, FIDA Bayelsa met with HRM king Joel E. Ibane JP Ogiobo ix, the Pere of Iduwini kingdom, he stated categorically that such practices does not and has never existed in their kingdom.

Paid a courtesy visit to the new Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa State Police Command, CP Echeng E. Echeng, to welcome him to Bayelsa state and also strengthen the already existing partnership/ relationship between Fida Bayelsa State and the Police.

6/8/2021

FIDA Bayelsa State Chapter was at Best Breed Academy, Yenagoa to sensitize the students on their rights as enshrined in the Law. Topics on: Cultism, rape/defilement and what to do when faced with abuse, etc. were discussed. The students were also made to understand that it is only when they speak up against abuse of any kind that it can be curbed and perpetrators brought to book.

It was a great time well spent with the students and FIDA appreciates the management of the school for creating such a great platform.

16 Days of Activism 2020

FIDA Bayelsa in collaboration with the National human rights commission kicked off the 16 days activism against SGBV with a walk to the office of the 1st lady, H.E Dr. Mrs. Gloria Diri, and she declared opened the 16 days activism 2020.

On the 11th of June 2020, FIDA BAYELSA in collaboration with various stakeholders, organizations, CSOs/ NGOs, embarked on a peaceful protest walk against SGBV.
We visited the ministry of Justice where the Solicitor General/ Permanent Secretary, Mr. Preye Agedah addressed us on the support of the ministry to fight this menace. We also visited the Judiciary, where the Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Kate Abiri received us in her Chambers and pledged the support of the Judiciary in the fight against all forms of SGBV in the state. Finally, we visited the state police force headquarters, where the commissioner of police assured us of the preparedness of the police to handle all cases of SGBV expeditiously and with all seriousness. It was indeed a successful outing.
#notorape
#nomeansno
#justiceforallrapevictims
#breakthecultureofrape
#speakout

From the inception of FIDA Bayelsa branch, it has embarked on various enlightenment and sensitization campaigns on issues relating to women and children such as rape, child abuse, violence against women and children etc. These includes but limited to programmes like Career Guidance and Counseling, workshops and enlightenment seminars such as “The family in Bayelsa State”, Young Lawyers and Advocacy Club” (YOLAC), “The Role of the Nigerian Women in an emerging Democracy, Election Monitoring and Evaluation Worshop etc.

FIDA Bayelsa host radio and television programs such as “know Your Right” and “The law and Society”. Also amongst the programs is the “shame Advocacy” program and “The Widows and Widowers campaign tour”, and Essay writing competitions for secondary students.

STAND OUT ACTIVITIES SINCE INCEPTION:

On the 11th of June 2020, FIDA BAYELSA in collaboration with various stakeholders, organizations, CSOs/ NGOs, embarked on a peaceful protest walk against SGBV.
We visited the ministry of Justice where the Solicitor General/ Permanent Secretary, Mr. Preye Agedah addressed us on the support of the ministry to fight this menace. We also visited the Judiciary, where the Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Kate Abiri received us in her Chambers and pledged the support of the Judiciary in the fight against all forms of SGBV in the state. Finally, we visited the state police force headquarters, where the commissioner of police assured us of the preparedness of the police to handle all cases of SGBV expeditiously and with all seriousness. It was indeed a successful outing.
#notorape
#nomeansno
#justiceforallrapevictims
#breakthecultureofrape
#speakout

From the inception of FIDA Bayelsa branch, it has embarked on various enlightenment and sensitization campaigns on issues relating to women and children such as rape, child abuse, violence against women and children etc. These includes but limited to programmes like Career Guidance and Counseling, workshops and enlightenment seminars such as “The family in Bayelsa State”, Young Lawyers and Advocacy Club” (YOLAC), “The Role of the Nigerian Women in an emerging Democracy, Election Monitoring and Evaluation Worshop etc.

FIDA Bayelsa host radio and television programs such as “know Your Right” and “The law and Society”. Also amongst the programs is the “shame Advocacy” program and “The Widows and Widowers campaign tour”, and Essay writing competitions for secondary students.