by FIDAFIDA (Nig) Warri, Delta Branch commemorates the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation.
As part of activities marking the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, FIDA Warri led by her Chairperson, Megbele Ogechi Jessica organized a one-day sensitization/town hall meeting, on the 6th February 2022 at Ekiugo Community of Ughelli South Local Govt Area.
The Zonal Coordinator of Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria, Delta State, Dr. Helen Agbadagri the myths, risk and effects of Female Mutilation.
The Zonal Director of Ministry of Justice, Warri, Zino Aikpokpo- Martins sensitized the women on the legal implications of such traditional practices.
It was an interactive and interesting session, and the community women were glad to receive FIDA.
by FIDANO TO FGM: FIDA LAGOS PAYS SPECIAL VISIT TO MONARCH TO MARK UN DAY
As part of its activities to celebrate the United Nations International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation on the 6th of February 2022, the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria, Lagos State Branch paid a courtesy visit to His Royal Majesty, Oba (Alhaji) Kabiru Kolawole Alani Adelaja Agbabiaka, the Osolo of Isolo in Lagos State.
Led by its Chairperson, Mrs. Chinwe Efobi, the FIDA Lagos team informed the monarch that the purpose of the visit was to sensitise the Kaabiyesi and his Royal Council members on the forthcoming Town Hall meeting to mark this special day.
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a traditional practice that is widespread in many Nigerian and African communities and has led to the death and disability of many of its victims.
by FIDAFIDA Lagos Commemorates International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation
FIDA Nigeria, Lagos State branch held her Townhall meeting which was a follow-up on the Advocacy/ Courtesy visit to the palace of Osolo of Isolo on Wednesday, 2nd of February 2022.
The town hall meeting was to mark the International Day of Zero tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) with the theme “Accelerating investment to end female genital mutilation ”
The Chairperson, Mrs Chinwe Efobi gave a brief introduction of the significance of the day. The meeting was well attended. The Osolo of Isolo and his chiefs – in – council, iyalojas and representatives of different markets, the Youths, NURTW, palace guards etc. were all present.
A paper presentation on this year’s theme by Fidan Ifeyinwa Okpalaku and interpreted in Yoruba language by Ruth Akinwande to the participants. The Oba also spoke in Yoruba language on the harmful effects of the barbaric and harmful traditional practice and admonished his subjects to desist from such practices and also encouraged them to speak out when such is going on.
Fliers were shared to disseminate more information on the purpose of the town hall meeting. It was an interactive, impactful and successful meeting with many members of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Lagos State Branch present.
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Supports Creation of Additional Seats For Women At National & State Houses Of Assembly
FIDA Nigeria Supports Creation of Additional Seats for Women at National & State Houses of Assembly, Urges Sustained Action by Civil Society Groups on Its Ratification & Assent into Law.
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria commends the recommendation by the Joint Senate and House Committees on Constitution review to create one hundred & eleven (111) additional legislative seats in the National Assembly and two additional seats per senatorial zone in state Houses of Assembly and the Federal Capital Territory which will be solely occupied by women beginning from the next general election in 2023.
FIDA recognizes these recommendations from the committee as a step in the right direction even though it falls short of the 35% affirmation demand obtainable in major Democracies. We have observed that from the advent of democracy in Nigeria, Women’s participation in elective positions has been minimal which has significant and multi-dimensional implications for the democratic project in Nigeria and her continuing quest for gender equality in Africa’s biggest economy.
We note this recommendation to be a major improvement from the present scenario where only 21 out of 469 seats in the present National Assembly are occupied by women. This has placed the Nation as the worst performer in the West African Region when looking at the representation of women in parliament, and the second-worst after Eritrea in the whole of the African Continent. Furthermore, at the sub-national level, only 45 seats of the 990 seats in all State Houses of Assemblies are occupied by women which constitute about 4.5% of elected representatives.
As the 2023 general elections get closer, we kindly call on the National and State Houses of Assembly to ratify the committee’s recommendation and for the President to grant assent towards improving the inclusivity of vulnerable and marginalized groups including women in the political process & Governance in Nigeria.
FIDA Nigeria was established in 1964 with main objectives to establish friendly international relations on a basis of equality and mutual respect for all peoples, preserve the rights and welfare of women and children, realising that the happiness of the home and the strength of the society is dependent on their wellbeing and proffer advice to Government in all cases of disregard relating to women and children.
God Bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Signed:
Mrs. Amina Suzanah Agbaje
Country Vice President/National President
FIDA Nigeria
by FIDAInternational Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation
FGM is still widely practiced in different parts of the country because of varied erroneous tribal/ traditional beliefs and practices.
It is practiced based on superstitious beliefs which range from the preservation of chastity and family honor, to ensuring perceived purification and hygiene, or for the protection of virginity and prevention of promiscuity; not to mention enhancing fertility and increasing matrimonial opportunities in women.
Other fears for which its use is said to protect include – to prevent mother and child from dying during childbirth; while in some communities it enables one to inherit property if circumcised
These totally wrong beliefs (though unproven as correct) remain strongly engraved in the minds of the people and are still widely practiced in Nigeria with young girls being coerced and pressured by family members for forced circumcision. This is FGM and it is a GBV!
As the world marks the International Day for Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation, FIDA Nigeria points out the fact that these practices and beliefs which still persist must be stopped.
FIDA being steadfast in the fight to prevent and end this needless and ugly trend in Nigeria calls on all to work collectively with us to stop these myths and misinformation still very prevalent in the society
In Nigeria, 25 per cent of women and girls, aged 15-49, have undergone some form of FGM (UNFPA). This most unfortunate practice of mutilating the girl child has subjected many to physical, emotional, and psychological trauma.
Note that Section 11 of the Childs Right Act 2013 protects the right to dignity of the child, while Section 6 of the Violence Against Persons prohibition (VAPP) Act 2015, expressly prohibits FGM
With this year’s theme focused on Accelerating Investment to End Female Genital Mutilation, we encourage everyone to join this fight where we also aggressively invest in different programmes to provide support services responding to those at risk and vulnerable to such practices.
We must enforce the applicable laws while fortifying institutional capacity to address and eradicate FGM (female genital mutilation)
Girls must be informed and empowered to act fast protecting themselves; and must also be able to easily access health care and protective service when in urgent need
Additionally other activities lined up in commemoration of this day by FIDA Nigeria across her 43 branches include to carry out Advocacy visits to community leaders and persons of influence in different communities, hold town hall meetings with traditional and faith-based leaders to sensitize them on key issues and the harmful nature and dangers of FGM.
We shall continue to do all within our mandate to fight against Female Genital Mutilation and shall work to ensure that women and children can live freely in society without fear of FGM and GBV
FIDA NIGERIA stands against Female Genital Mutilation; let us Accelerate Investment to End Female Genital Mutilation!
InvestDon’tRest
EndFGM
Signed:
Mrs. Amina Suzanah Agbaje
Country Vice President/National President
FIDA Nigeria
Christiana Oyanvutu Adejumo
National Publicity Secretary
FIDA Nigeria
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria demands justice for Hanifa Abubakar
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria vehemently condemns the brutal killing of five-year-old Hanifa Abubakar by her teacher and School Proprietor of Noble Kids Nursery and Primary School, Kwanana, Kano state.
Section 33 (1) of the Constitution provides for the Right to Life of everyone including that of Hanifa, and no one shall be deprived intentionally of his life unless in the execution of the sentence of a court of a criminal offence of which he has been found guilty.
Hanifa as a Nigerian child is entitled to have lived a full and beautiful life
FIDA Nigeria demands for justice for Hanifa as the above act also falls into the category of gender-based violence for which FIDA Nigeria stands against, and furthermore to serve as a deterrent to other evil-minded people who are custodians of children left in their care for educational or other purposes.
The Chairperson, FIDA Nigeria Kano State Chapter, Bilkisu Ibrahim Suleiman on Friday led a delegation of Excos to pay a condolence visit to the family of the 5-year-old murdered and mutilated victim, Hanifa Abubakar at Dakata Quarters, Nasarawa LGA, Kano State. The family was assured of FIDA’s support in the pursuit of justice
We call on the relevant Government Ministries to pay closer attention to licensed educational institutions. The increase of violence in Schools has demonstrated the importance and need to incorporate basic laws on Human Rights and the education sector into curriculums for educators for the purpose of training and retraining. There is also a need to address the accepted norm of violence in schools.
FIDA Nigeria has always resolutely stood behind justice against evil in society particularly when perpetrated against women and children.
It is sincerely hoped that with justice done in Hanifa’s case, it will greatly diminish such criminal acts in the society.
In addition, we urge the Government to ensure the passage and adoption of the Child’s Rights Act, the Violence against Person’s (Prohibition) Act (VAPP Act), 2015 and all laws that support and protect children and women in the state.
#JusticeForHanifer
Signed:
Mrs. Amina Suzanah Agbaje
Country Vice President/National President
FIDA Nigeria
Christiana Oyanvutu Adejumo
National Publicity Secretary
FIDA Nigeria
by FIDAFIDA Warri Branch pays Courtesy Visit to the Olori, Wife of the Olu Of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III
On Thursday, 20th January, 2022 FIDA Warri Branch paid a courtesy visit to the Olori, Wife of the Olu Of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III. The aim of the visit was centered on advocacy and Membership drive to the Olori, Wife of Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Olu Of Warri.
The chairperson, Megbele Ogechi Jessica who led her executives and members of FIDA, Warri Chapter on the visit to Her Royal Majesty, stated that the visit was to welcome Her Royal Majesty to the kingdom, intimate her, seek collaboration with the Olori in protecting, preserving and promoting the rights of women and children in the Kingdom, as well as programmes and of FIDA aimed at impacting and bringing positive development to Warri Kingdom
The chairperson of FIDA, Warri Branch while addressing Her Royal Majesty prayed for God’s wisdom, peace, continuous protection and guidance throughout the reign of His Royal Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Olu Of Warri. Prayers were also offered for God’s strength on Her Royal Majesty as she supports His Royal Majesty.
The Olori in her welcome address, expressed happiness over the visit of the Galant FIDA Warri Chapter ably led by the Chairperson Megbele Ogechi Jessica to her palace. Her Royal Majesty who is a Legal Practitioner also used the opportunity to reiterate and renew her commitment as a member and promised to work with FIDA for legal issues/advice from time to time.
Responding further, Her Royal Majesty, the Olori, expressed appreciation for the visit of the leaders and members of the organization to the Palace, while informing them she was a member of FIDA Lagos and also FIDA Abuja when she moved to Abuja. She further appreciated the team for identifying with her office. She described Lawyers as one of the few profession she is proud to belong to which is noble and unique profession, and proud to be a member of FIDA, a gallant association.
Her Royal Majesty has also promised to pay all her dues and support FIDA Warri, Delta State Chapter. Highlights of the event was a presentation of FIDA customized t-shirts and cap to Her Royal Majesty, the Olori by Megbele Ogechi Jessica, the Chairperson.
by FIDAPress Release on The Retreat For National Executive Officers & Staff Of FIDA Nigeria
FIDA Nigeria held a 3-day National Executive Officers & Staff Retreat in Abuja from 13th to 16th of January 2021
The objective was to critically review current operations and performance whilst identifying critical areas requiring refocusing; it also allowed formal interaction by the new National Executive Committee with the new FIDA Nigeria Program Officers both at the national and state levels.
The retreat helped to build the capacity of staff whilst familiarizing them with FIDA Nigeria goals and policies and strengthening their capacity for effective engagement and project implementation. It served as an orientation for the newly recruited staff.
Declaring open the Retreat on Thursday, 13th January 2021, the Country Vice President Mrs. Amina Suzanah Agbaje in her opening remarks welcomed the National Executive Committee and staff, while expressing her immense gratitude for the contributions and continuous efforts made in striving towards promoting FIDA Nigeria’s developmental goals ensuring positive impact across the Nigerian society.
In attendance were the National Executive officers Deputy Country Vice President Evelyn Membere – Asimiea, National Secretary Eliana Martins Assistant National Secretary Beatrice Abongye Awah, National Financial Secretary Olubunmi Niyi-Arajuwa, National Treasurer Chineze Obianyo, National Publicity Secretary/ Editor Mrs. Christiana Oyanvutu Adejumo, National Ex Officio (CVP Emeritus) Rhoda Prevail Tyoden, ably led by the Country Vice President Mrs. Amina Suzanah Agbaje.
Erudite speakers such as Chief Mrs. Victoria Awomolo SAN and Chief Moji Makanjuola MFR, were also in attendance to deliver papers in key areas
The retreat in addition enabled a Strategic Session involving departmental (Program, Litigation, Monitoring & Evaluation, Accounts, Communications/IT and Admin) presentations by various heads of department.
At the end of the retreat the executive committee as well as all departments were effectively equipped with operational plans and approved innovations to further fuel their growth and that of the organization.
The CVP challenged staff to be continuously creative and innovative so to achieve the organizations set goals as stipulated in the FIDA Nigeria Five-Year Strategic Plan
Signed:
Mrs. Amina Suzanah Agbaje
Country Vice President/National President
FIDA Nigeria
Christiana Oyanvutu Adejumo
National Publicity Secretary
FIDA Nigeria
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Holds a 3-day National Executive Officers & Staff Retreat
FIDA Nigeria holds a 3-day National Executive Officers & Staff Retreat in Abuja, following the end of tenure of the previous administration and the inauguration of the new National Executive Committee; this affords the officers the opportunity of interacting as well with the new Fida Nigeria Program Officers.
Furthermore, the Retreat was aimed at building the capacity of staff both at the State and National level, to familiarise them with FIDA Nigeria’s goals, policies and her operations including strengthening their capacity for effective engagement and project implementation at State levels.
In attendance were the National Executive ably led by the Country Vice President Mrs. Amina Suzanah Agbaje, Chief Mrs. Victoria Awomolo SAN who delivered an educative paper on Effective Teamwork and Chief Moji Makanjuola MFR, who also delivered an intriguing paper on Effective Communication, Operational Skills and Tools.
The Retreat also enabled a Strategy Session; it involved departmental presentations by various heads, thereafter orientation for the newly elected officers & staff. Day one was indeed educative and engaging.
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Staff Retreat Day 2
On Saturday, 27th of November 2021; Day 2 of the FIDA Nigeria National Executive/Staff Retreat began with aerobics exercises to impress on and encourage Officers and staff on the need to always keep fit.
Through the day participants engaged in
Sectional Training and the development of an Plan of Action/Strategic Plan
The CVP Emeritus Rhoda Prevail was celebrated as it was also her birthday
The Retreat Program ended most successfully
with a positive appraisal by staff and a commitment to do great things this new year. It was indeed a memorable experience.
