by adminFIDA NIGERIA REFUTES SMEAR CAMPAIGN ALLEGATIONS IN DELTA STATE
The attention of FIDA Nigeria has been drawn to a statement issued by Ken Orusi, Media Assistant to Olorogun Barr. Kenneth Gbagi, published in NDM News Xclusive on 14th April 2021 alleging sponsorship of FIDA Delta to carry out protests, hold rallies and mislead the public through smear campaigns targeted against the Gubernatorial Aspirant in Delta State, Olorogun Barr. Kenneth Gbagi.
We state categorically that FIDA is an honourable non-political NGO with set standards, values, systems and processes and cannot engage in any dishonourable conduct nor be drawn into the political antics playing out in Delta State
We have not been sponsored to engage in any smear campaign against anyone, nor paid to carry out any dishonourable act. As professionals, we abhor such conduct and refute all these allegations asking for the strictest proof.
The correct facts are that FIDA Delta is engaged in ensuring that justice is secured for the harassed, violated staff of the said Olorogun and the legal matter being in court is subjudice.
We urge all key persons handling the different aspects of this matter not to be distracted by the allegations and innuendos but to carry out their professional duties to the best of their abilities
We demand a retraction of this statement and a published apology to FIDA as there is no merit to this.
We believe that the maker of the statement is aware of the consequences of his action.
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 JUSTICE FOR LATE ADAEZE IKPEAMA, A PREGNANT FEMALE LAWYER
FIDA is distraught by the news of the death of ADAEZE IKPEAMA, a pregnant Lawyer who was allegedly killed by her husband Mr. Anthony Ikpeama
Social media is filled with the news of how our deceased colleague has suffered domestic abuse almost immediately after her marriage and this has finally resulted in her death. We are more heartbroken to hear that two little children are going to suffer this pain of the loss of a mother as well as her family.
FIDA has continued to cry out to all women and children to seek help in such situations to avoid such a tragic end.
FIDA says Enough is Enough! This needless gender-based violence and killings must stop and all perpetrators brought to book.
What a travesty that a wife cannot feel safe in her home because of domestic abuse; that she cannot protect and carry her unborn child to full term; that the unborn child cannot be guaranteed life, birthed and celebrated as part of our future generation; that her spouse who should protect mother and child is the aggressor whom they fear most and it is indeed at his hand that they allegedly die.
There is simply no justification for such behavior. Society should not find this behavior acceptable; it is intolerable! This is certainly not a ‘family matter’ that can be settled or swept under the carpet under the guise of ‘Devil’s Folly’
We thank the Nigeria Police who has assisted in arresting the suspect – her husband and FIDA appeals for a thorough investigation to ensure effective prosecution. We are confident that justice will be served by the court with the maximum sentence, which will serve as a deterrent to others. All relevant key stakeholders’ must ensure speedy access to justice for Adaeze and her unborn child.
FIDA once more appeal to all to always engage in peaceful ways of communication and conflict resolution despite the frustrations and challenges of life, violence is never the solution.
Everyone going through any form of abuse or violation should please speak out, FIDA and several other organizations have their doors open to assist you, do not die in silence, there is no shame in seeking help.
FIDA Nigeria commiserates with her family at this time of such a colossal loss; as we pay tribute to a fallen colleague and mother of two beautiful children.
There must be Justice for Adaeze and her unborn child.
#justiceforAdaeze
Signed for FIDA Nigeria
Rhoda Prevail Tyoden
Country Vice President/National President
FIDA Nigeria
Eliana Martins
National publicity secretary
FIDA Nigeria
by adminNews Rebuttal
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) wishes to rebut a statement accredited to it in a recent press release by the Nation Newspaper titled ‘RIVERS LAWYERS KICK OVER WIKE’S ALLEGED PLAN TO IMPOSE CJ’ dated March 23, 2021.
One Chinyere Okoroafor asserted that a group under the aegis of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) asked Governor Wike not to approve the recommendation and appointment of Justice Simeon Amadi as Chief Judge.
We categorically state that the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) did not at any time release such a statement neither did we authorize any of our Officers both at the National and Branch levels to issue such a statement. We, therefore, disassociate ourselves with this press release. FIDA undertakes due diligence in airing her view and always prefer the option of dialogue before the release of a press statement.
We, therefore, appeal to the public and all persons mentioned in the press release to note this rebuttal.
Signed
For FIDA Nigeria
Rhoda Prevail Tyoden.
National President.
Eliana Martins
National Publicity Secretary
by adminINTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2021
As women all over the world gather today to celebrate international women’s Day, we focus on the United Nations theme “Women in Leadership: Achieving an Equal Future in a COVID-19 world”
The theme celebrates the tremendous efforts by women and girls around the world in shaping a more equal future and indeed, recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on humanity generally. Apart from health, there was a myriad of social and economic downturn with a disproportionate impact on women. The pandemic exacerbated poverty and gender inequality; increased the vulnerability of women as many in the informal sector were out of jobs during the lockdown. The pandemic most unfortunately also increased women’s unpaid jobs as caregivers to sick and elderly members of their household.
Article 21 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights embraces the right of every person to take part in leadership in his or her country. As such, FIDA has always promoted the equal access of men and women to power, decision-making and leadership at all levels as being a necessary precondition for the proper functioning of any democracy, such as ours.
The above theme is also in consonance with the priority theme for the 65th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women: “Women’s full and effective participation and decision – making in public life, as well as the elimination of violence, for achieving gender equality, and the empowerment of all women and girls.”
These all being efforts towards achieving gender equality and women’s full participation in the public sphere. Women, as usual, rose to the occasion and carried disproportionate burdens during the pandemic as health workers at the frontline, caregivers to sick family members and breadwinners; we remember them and applaud their efforts.
We note and also appreciate that the pandemic elicited the skills and perspectives that women bring on board, for which leadership traits are worth celebrating as a way to encourage more women in leadership, to shape a more equal future and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite the pandemic and its challenges, women defied all odds and still championed and accomplished great things, rising to the pinnacles of their careers, in sports, beauty and fashion, media, entertainment, healthcare, education, as entrepreneurs, in government appointments and even the Judiciary. We appreciate you and join in blowing the trumpet for you all as great Nigerian women breaking boundaries.
FIDA NIGERIA sadly notes that Violence Against Women is still rising astronomically with cases of sexual violence of women and girls, and domestic violence topping the list. FIDA states that effective participation of women in decision– making; elimination of violence against women and girls; and the empowerment of women must be priorities for all if gender equality will be achieved.
Accordingly, FIDA Nigeria calls on government at all levels, agencies, policymakers, legislators and corporate organizations, to incorporate the diversity of women and girls in policy formulation, implementation of laws, and all response and recovery programmes of COVID-19 and post-pandemic.
FIDA Nigeria celebrates all women in leadership positions at the local, national and international levels and encourages them to be steadfast and resilient in dealing with the challenges they face. The campaign theme for this year is #Ichoosetochallenge, We, therefore, enjoin all women and men of goodwill to raise their hands high to show and choose to challenge inequality.
FIDA Nigeria continues to work to support credible, hardworking, meritorious women to break the glass ceiling in their respective spheres of operation.
Watch our media space for the celebration of some women who have exhibited dynamic leadership in Nigeria,
Happy IWD 2021.
#IWD2021
#Ichoosetochallenge.
Signed
Rhoda Prevail Tyoden
Country Vice President/National President
FIDA Nigeria
Eliana Martins
National Publicity Secretary
FIDA Nigeria
by adminFIDA Condemns the Worrisome Trend of Abduction of Children from schools in Nigeria
Federacion Internacional de Abagados (FIDA) joins the Country Vice President and all members of FIDA Nigeria to unequivocally condemn the worrisome trend of abduction of children from their schools in Nigeria, and strongly urges the Federal Government of Nigeria to be alive to its primary constitutional mandate to ensure the welfare and security of the people.
FIDA notes with dismay that the abductions constitute an unacceptable and intolerable criminal violation of the Rights of the Child as recognised by the Federal Government and the various international and regional instruments that Nigeria has rightly endorsed.
FIDA decries the trauma impact of the abduction and its effects on the mental well being of the children and calls on the abductors to quickly release them. FIDA further urges the Federal Government of Nigeria to deploy all available resources to not only ensure the timely release of the school children but to also put an end to this deplorable trend.
FIDA requests the International community to provide support to this process and further require that the Nigerian Government lives up to its duty to ensure the safety of her children.
Carolina Rios Villota
President FIDA International
Florence Adokiye Amiesimaka
Secretary FIDA International
by adminFIDA NIGERIA PAYS COURTESY VISIT TO THE DG OF NAPTIP
On Tuesday, 23rd February 2021, the National Executive Committee, led by the Country Vice President, Rhoda Prevail Tyoden, paid a courtesy visit to the Director-General of NAPTIP.
The Country Vice President, Rhoda Prevail Tyoden, revealed details of disturbing trends of sexual and gender-based violence and proposed ways of strengthening the relationship between FIDA Nigeria and the agency with the aim of combating this menace
by adminFIDA CELEBRATES DR. NGOZI OKONJO-IWEALA, THE FIRST FEMALE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF THE WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION (WTO)
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria congratulates and celebrates a great Nigerian Woman, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who has accomplished a great feat having made history as the first female Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is a renowned economist and an international development expert having spent a 25-year career at the World Bank as a development economist, where she rose to the position of Managing Director, Operations.
Under the leadership of Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan respectively, she also served Nigeria diligently for two terms as Finance Minister (2003–2006, 2011–2015)
This strong Nigerian woman is industrious, tenacious and a great achiever having secured the support of the United States of America for the position of Director-General the World Trade Organization, particularly with the stepping down of the other contestant for the position, to pave the way for her.
We celebrate her for having broken the glass ceiling. We acknowledge her as a great pacesetter, a great model for women and girls to emulate and a fantastic mentor who is proudly Nigerian and who so beautifully showcases it.
FIDA felicitates with her, trusting that she will continue to display exemplary leadership qualities that will positively and most progressively advance the WTO for the benefit of all.
God bless and protect Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as she serves; we wish you great success. Congratulations!
Signed for FIDA Nigeria
Rhoda Prevail Tyoden
Country Vice President/National President
FIDA Nigeria
Eliana Martins
National publicity secretary
FIDA Nigeria
by adminINTERNATIONAL DAY OF ZERO TOLERANCE FOR FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION
Theme: “No Time for Global Inaction, Unite, Fund, and Act to End Female Genital Mutilation.”
As the world marks the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) with the theme: “No Time for Global Inaction, Unite, Fund, and Act to End Female Genital Mutilation, ” FIDA Nigeria joins the rest of the human rights communities to call for Prompt Collective, and Cohesive Action by all, to eliminate FGM
FGM or otherwise called female circumcision is principally practiced in the South South, South East and South Western parts of Nigeria; this cruel and dehumanizing practice is hinged on erroneous cultural and traditional religious myths and practices
The resultant effects cause grave health challenges with long term physical, social and phycological consequences on the woman and girl child; the thought of such practice which even causes some to take preemptive steps by seeking asylum in foreign lands as a form of escape
We declare that the practice of FGM:
violates human rights, especially the Infringement of laws against nondiscrimination and freedom from cruel and degrading treatment.
violates particularly the right of women and the girl child to sexual and reproductive health
is a form of torture, sexual assault and cruel treatment therefore violence against girls and women
denies one of the right to life in cases where the victim loses her life in the process.
Therefore, we must all unite to:
Educate and sensitize the general public on the evils and dangers of FGM and its negative effects on our girls and women while pushing forward good values of protecting women from harmful practices and treating them with dignity and respect.
Change cultural norms and practices which are repugnant to equity, good conscience and social justice, adoption of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act 2015 in all states, which expressly prohibits female circumcision or genital mutilation.
Empower women socially and economically
We call on faith-based institutions and traditional leaders to also speak out against FGM and quell the myths surrounding it.
FIDA Nigeria appeals to all levels of Government (Federal, State, and Local) to show political will and commitment to this cause as we demand a prompt, holistic and integrated national action plan involving all key stakeholders, to end FGM and such practices in our communities and country.
Let us all unite for prompt action to end FGM
#Act2EndFGM
#EndFGM
Rhoda Prevail Tyoden
Country Vice President/National President
FIDA Nigeria
Eliana Martins
National publicity secretary
FIDA Nigeria
by adminFIDA Nigeria Applauds The Governor Of Nasarawa State As He Swears-In First Female Acting Chief Judge Of The State
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria, applauds the Nasarawa State Governor, His Excellency Abdullahi Sule on his appointment of the first female acting Chief Judge of the state.
FIDA Nigeria commends the Governor for compliance with the constitutional requirement and for acceding to the recommendation of the JSC and calls on other states to emulate this.
FIDA Nigeria congratulates and celebrates Hon. Justice Aisha Bashir-Aliyu for her appointment as the first female Acting Chief Judge (CJ) of the state; whilst also encouraging her to showcase her sterling qualities for the greater benefit of the society.
We similarly seize this opportunity to also congratulate all women recently elevated to the Bench in the different states.
FIDA Nigeria desires greater acceleration to the process of gender parity. Therefore, we see these appointments as great steps in the right direction being that we all have a role to play in creating this desired balance in the different structures and institutions in society.
Parity is paramount so society can function at its optimum, and be beneficial to all across the board.
FIDA in promoting and advocating for the protection and preservation of the rights of women and children, urgently calls on other states and indeed the Federal Government to emulate this noble act and ensure that women are more actively involved in governance in Nigeria.
Rhoda Prevail Tyoden
Country Vice President/National President
FIDA Nigeria
Eliana Martins
National Publicity Secretary
FIDA Nigeria
by admin16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM 2020
2020 UNiTE Campaign Theme: “Orange the World: Fund, Respond, Prevent, Collect!”
FIDA Nigeria joins the world in commemorating the annual 16 Days Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) with a lineup of several activities, commencing from 25th November to 10th December 2020.
This year has been a challenging year in the world with the Covid-19 Pandemic and then in Nigeria came the #EndSARS/Police Brutality protests which resulted in crises and curfews nationwide causing further distress to the vulnerable in society.
In all of this, FIDA Nigeria acted in line with the theme for this year – we Funded, supported Programs, responded to calls, and strived to Prevent all forms of GBV against the vulnerable in society.
Ending gender-based discrimination and violence is a global priority that requires collective action, Accordingly, as the world marks this year’s 16 days of Activism against gender-based violence, FIDA Nigeria calls on all stakeholders to play an active part in the sensitization, prevention, protection and enforcement to ensure the Elimination of these ills in our society.
This call is imperative as the rate of violence has escalated due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other related reasons, reports clearly show an alarming increase in the already existing pandemic of violence against women and children.
The UN Secretary-General in delivering his report on, “Shared Responsibility, Global Solidarity: Responding to the socio-economic impacts of COVID-19″ stated that” Accompanying the crisis has been a spike in domestic violence reporting, at exactly the time that services, including rule of law, health and shelters, are being diverted to address the pandemic”.
FIDA Nigeria in her bid to curb the high rate of GBV during the lockdown engaged in different programs, ranging from press releases/conference, advocacy visits (to Attorney Generals, IGP & Media Houses), sensitizations, Rallies and social media campaigns.
In commemoration of the 2020 16 days activism against Gender-based violence on the theme” Fund, Respond, Prevent and Collect” FIDA is putting together a project to provide access of justice at the grassroots level for victims of Gender-based violence by training paralegals. We call on the support of the Federal and State Governments to fund this project in addition to the establishment of Gender Desks at police stations and the Ministry of Justice with trained personnel for accelerated treatment of cases, one-stop referral centres in all states with rapid response units and sex offenders register with a shared database; free and compulsory medical treatment for victims and compulsory psycho-analysis for the accused, special courts for the trial of GBV cases.
Protection for victims of GBV; the accelerated adoption of the VAPP Act and the Child Rights Act in all States, and the review of the Penal Code to be in tandem with the VAPP Act.
We insist on the implementation of all legislation related to gender-based violence.
FIDA Nigeria remains committed to protecting, promoting and preserving the rights of woman and children and will continue to provide free legal representation and advice to survivors of Rape.
#RespectNotRape
#StopTheCultureOfSilence
#StopAllFormsOfViolence
#NoMeansNo
#FIDAsaysNotoVAW
#OrangetheWorldStopGenderBasedViolence
#GenerationEqualityStandsAgainstRape
Rhoda Prevail Tyoden
Country Vice President/National President
FIDA Nigeria
Eliana Martins
National Publicity Secretary
FIDA Nigeria