by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Inaugurates Suleja Branch
It is Official!!!!
A brand new Branch has been added to the growing number of FIDA Branches spread across the 36 states of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory. This is because on Tuesday, the 15th of August 2022, FIDA Nigeria inaugurated its 46th Branch, ”FIDA (Nigeria) Suleja Branch Niger State”
The inauguration took place at High Court 2, Suleja Niger State, and had in attendance several distinguished personalities including the Country Vice President FIDA Nigeria, Amina Suzanah Agbaje; the National Secretary Eliana Martins; National Asst. Publicity Secretary Shaltha Nachamada; CVP emerita Rhoda Prevail Tyoden; Zonal Coordinator FIDA North Central Zone, Hajiya Laraba Shuaibu; Chairperson emerita FIDA Abuja Branch Rekia Adejo-Andrew; Chairperson FIDA Minna Branch, His Worship Bilikisu Labaran Kago; the Sarauniyyan Zazzau Dr. Rahmatu Hassan (who doubled as a Matron of the Branch); the Area Commander Suleja Police Command ACP S.M Musa; Chairman NBA Suleja; Ibrahim Bako Esq, the Route Commander Federal Road Safety Corps; Bar leader P.U Ekwueme Esq., amongst several Magistrates, distinguished guests and FIDA members.
The induction of FIDA (Nigeria) Suleja Branch Niger State as the newest Branch of FIDA Nigeria, forms part of FIDA’s commitment to reaching grassroot communities while scaling up its objective of protecting, promoting and preserving the rights of women and children. The formal inauguration of the new Branch was carried out by the Country Vice President FIDA Nigeria, after which Branch officials were sworn in by His Worship Ruth Ibrahim Dauda.
The inauguration of the 46th Branch of FIDA Nigeria was a monumental success underscoring FIDA’s dedication to broadening the scope of provision of pro-bono legal services, particularly to the grassroots where it is much needed.
by FIDAWorld Day Against Trafficking in Persons 2023
Theme: ”Reach every victim of trafficking, leave no one behind”
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria lends its voice in commemoration of the 2023 International Day Against Human Trafficking, which falls annually on the 30th of July. FIDA Nigeria joins the United Nations System and all world organizations to raise awareness under the global theme ”Reach every victim of trafficking, leave no one behind”
According to the United Nations, “leaving people behind” in the context of trafficking in persons, means failure to end the exploitation of trafficked victims; failing to support victim-survivors once they are free from their traffickers, and leaving identifiable groups vulnerable to traffickers.
In commemorating the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, FIDA Nigeria organized a Webinar themed ”The Scourge of Trafficking In Person: X-raying Linkages With Gender Based Violence And Illegal Adoption”
Statistics show that 7 out of 10 human-trafficked victims are women and girls. The impact of this scourge poses a huge menace and causes the loss of basic human rights; loss of one’s childhood; disruption in families, and overwhelming and devastating mental health consequences.
FIDA Nigeria will continue to do all it can to fight against human trafficking in all forms and will continue to partner with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) to ensure that women and children live in a society free from all forms of exploitation and abuse.
FIDA NIGERIA resolutely and firmly stands against all forms of human trafficking and calls on the Government, Law Enforcement Agencies, the Public Sector, and all Civil Society Organisations to assess and enhance their efforts to strengthen the prevention, identification, and support of victims, while also striving to end impunity in this regard.
Every human being matters, let us respect their dignity. Reach every victim of trafficking, leave no one behind!!!
EndHumanTrafficking
WorldDayAgainstTraffickingInPersons
30thJuly
Signed
Amina Suzanah Agbaje (Mrs.)
Country Vice President/National President
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria is recruiting to fill the position below
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria is a non-profit, non-governmental organization made up of over 4,800 female lawyers with several years of experience in utilizing the law to address social problems in Nigeria. The organization’s mandate is the enhancement, promotion, protection, and preservation of the rights and welfare of women and children in Nigeria. FIDA Nigeria implements key projects and activities aimed at providing access to justice to indigent persons, particularly women, and children.
FIDA Nigeria is recruiting to fill the position below:
Job title: Monitoring & Evaluation Officer
Location: Abuja
Vacancy Type: Full-time
Terms of Reference
This position will be responsible for monitoring and evaluation of projects implemented by FIDA Nigeria. The M & E Officer will work under the overall guidance and supervision of the FIDA Nigeria National President/Country Vice President, National Secretary, and other National Executives, and report to them through the Program Manager.
Duties and Responsibilities
The successful candidate will carry out the following tasks:
- Develop and strengthen monitoring, inspection, and evaluation procedures;
- Monitor all project activities, expenditures, and progress towards achieving the project output with impact indicator;
- Monitor and evaluate overall progress on achievement of results;
- Provide feedback to the Program Manager on project strategies and activities;
- Suggest strategies for project management to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the project by identifying bottlenecks in completing project activities and developing plans to minimize or eliminate such bottlenecks;
- Report monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, and annual progress on all projects to the Country Vice President/ National President, Deputy, and Program Manager;
- Conduct capacity assessment on existing monitoring and evaluation system;
- Willingness to travel at short notice to project location
- Provide inputs, information and statistics for periodic reports to the project management team and development partners;
- Participate in annual project reviews and planning workshops and assist the Program Manager in preparing relevant reports;
- Perform other duties as required.
Competencies
1. Professionalism:
Demonstrates professional competence in women’s and children’s rights and the rule of law as well as, knowledge of related policies and practices at the national, regional, and international levels;
Demonstrates knowledge of programme management cycle, including monitoring and reporting;
Ability to identify and contribute to the solution of problems/issues with a display of persistence;
Conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines, and achieving results;
Motivated by professional rather than personal concerns;
2. Teamwork:
Ability to collaborate with colleagues within and outside of FIDA Nigeria to achieve organizational goals;
Ability to solicit inputs by genuinely valuing the ideas and expertise of others;
Willingness to learn from others;
Support and act following the team and organizational decisions.
3. Planning & Organizing:
Ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate, and monitor work while prioritizing competing demands;
Foresight for risks and contingencies when planning.
4. Communication:
Ability to write clearly and concisely and to communicate effectively with a range of audiences, including the ability to prepare reports and make presentations in a variety of fora;
Ability to conduct presentations by clearly formulating positions on issues, articulating options concisely, conveying maximum necessary information as well as making and defending recommendations.
Job Requirements
At least 5 years of experience in the design and implementation of M&E in development projects implemented by national/international NGOs/UN bodies/Government;
Experience in designing tools and strategies for data collection, analysis, and production of reports;
University Degree preferably in Business Administration, Economics, Statistics, or any of the social sciences;
Expertise in analyzing data using statistical software;
Strong training & facilitation skills.
Qualified candidates should send their curriculum vitae of not more than 2 pages with relevant details to the advertised TOR and a 1 paged cover letter addressed to the National Secretary, FIDA Nigeria to hr@fida.org.ng
The subject of the e-mail should be “Application for the Position of Monitoring and Evaluation Officer”.
Deadline: 25th July 2023.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Held a 3-day capacity-building workshop for 25 civil society organizations
Three-day capacity building workshop for 25 civil society organizations from Northern Nigeria on Gender Responsive Budgeting, the workshop which held in Jos, Plateau State is jointly organized by the
Palladium Group and FIDA Nigeria under the auspices of the USAID-funded SCALE project.
This workshop is aimed at enhancing the capacity of these organizations in applying gender budget analysis tools in their programming around gender equality and women’s rights, also assist them in supporting gender budget initiatives wherever they exist, while seeking clarity and understanding of the conceptual, technical, and political elements of gender-responsive budgeting.
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria 2nd Quarter NEC Meeting
FIDA Nigeria held its 2nd Quarter National Executive Council (NEC) meeting for 2023, from the 21st to the 24th of June 2023 in Akure, Ondo state. The meeting which had the theme “Digital Environment: Understanding Digital Skills for the Overall Development of Women and Children in Nigeria”, was hosted by FIDA (Nigeria) Ondo State Branch.
To kickstart the NEC Meeting, there was an advocacy visit on Wednesday, the 21st of June 2023 to the Ondo State Juvenile Correctional Center. The delegation was led by the Country Vice President/National President of FIDA Nigeria, Amina Suzanah Agbaje (Mrs.), where a legal clinic was conducted for Children in Conflict with the Law. The Hon. Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development Ondo State, Dr. Mrs. Juliana Ocheda, was present at the Correctional Center visit amongst other important dignitaries. That same morning, FIDA Nigeria led by its Country Vice President/National President, Amina Suzanah Agbaje (Mrs.); the National Publicity Secretary Christiana Adejumo; and the Chairperson FIDA Ondo State Branch, Catherine Ogunjebi; were at Crest FM 106.1 Akure for a 30 minutes enlightenment program which was anchored by Mr. Leo Olagbaye.
In like manner, another advocacy visit was paid to the Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly called Amotékun. The delegation was led by the Country Vice President/National President of FIDA Nigeria, Amina Suzanah Agbaje (Mrs.), together with the full complement of members of the National Executive Committee alongside other delegates. They were warmly received by the Corps Commander, Ondo State Amotékun Corps, and Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Chief Adetunji Adeleye, Fisn, who assured delegates of their safety whilst in the state and reinstated the Corps commitment to collaborating with FIDA. Thereafter, members of the delegation were treated to a familiarisation lunch. In the evening of Wednesday, 21st of June 2023, delegates were further hosted as part of the NEC activities, to a welcome cocktail to unwind from the stress of their travels.
An Aerobics/fitness session was held on the morning of Thursday, 22nd June 2023 to encourage members on the need to keep physically fit. The formal opening ceremony of the 2nd Quarter NEC Meeting followed soon thereafter and had in attendance the Executive Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON, as the Chief Host, ably represented by the Secretary to the Ondo State Government, Princess Catherine Oladunni Odu, who doubled as the Chairman of the Opening ceremony. The First Lady of Ondo State, Her Excellency Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu Akeredolu was ably represented by the Executive Secretary of Ondo State Agency Against GBV, Mrs. Bola Afolabi. Present also was the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Ondo State, Sir Charles Titiloye. The Keynote Speaker at the Opening Ceremony was Judge Funmi Asaolu of the Justice Court. In attendance also was Hon. Justice Ayedun Odusola, Chief Judge of Ondo State Judiciary, ably represented by Hon. Justice Adegboyega Adebusoye; Other Justices present include Hon. Justice Olabode Adegbehingbe of the Court of Appeal Ekiti Division; Hon. Justice Bolatito Ajibade of the Ondo State High Court; Hon. Justice Toyin Bolaji Adegoke of the Federal High Court Akure Division; and Hon. Justice Babatunde Adejumo (Rtd.); alongside a host of distinguished dignitaries and delegates.
The session on Continuous Legal Education (CLE) was held immediately after the opening ceremony, with presentations by erudite speakers. The session was moderated by the National Assistant Publicity Secretary of FIDA Nigeria, Shaltha Nachamada, representing the Chairperson of the CLE Committee, Prof. Felicia Anyaogu. FIDA Nigeria CLE sessions are non-negotiable key activities for every NEC meeting. This is in consonance with the association’s commitment to a continuous development of members’ capacity as highlighted in Goal 3 of its 5-year strategic plan, geared towards achieving an innovative and impactful organization.
During the CLE session, a wide range of topical issues were discussed. The papers that were presented include, “The Use of Technological Innovations in Advancing the Cause of the Child in Nigeria” by Hon. Justice Bolatito Ajibade of the Ondo State High Court; “Report Writing Skills: Accelerating FIDA Activities” by Chief Mrs. Olamide Falana of the Girls to Women Initiative and Special Adviser to the State Government on Gender issues; and “FIDANS: Empowerment and Leadership” by Hon. Justice Toyin Bolaji Adegoke of the Federal High Court, Akure Division. The CLE session was highly interactive and educative.
The evening of Thursday, 22nd June 2023 ushered in a glamorous cultural extravaganza with colorful displays by the various Branches from different geopolitical zones. Delegates were further entertained by the State’s indigenous dance troupe on the rich cultural heritage of the people of Ondo state; the various tribes resident therein; their languages; foods; etc. It was a beautiful evening showcasing the vibrant heritage of Nigeria’s beauty in diversity.
All work and no play as they say makes Jane a dull girl. This saying saw delegates on an adventurous hike to the ancient Idanre Hills on Friday, 23rd June 2023 as part of a cumulative fitness regimen.
The formal Business meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) commenced after the hike. At the formal meeting, matters that impact the organization were discussed, alongside a quarterly presentation of reports by the various Branches.
To round up the 2nd Quarter National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, a Dinner/Award night was held in the evening of Friday, 23rd June 2023. In attendance was the Executive Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON, ably represented by the Acting Governor Hon. Lucky Ayedatiwa; the Chairperson Closing Dinner Rev Mrs. Funke Felix-Adejumo; the Special Adviser to the Government on Gender issues Chief Mrs. Olamide Falana; alongside other dignitaries. Awards were presented to outstanding and deserving individuals including an Award of Excellence to the Governor, His Excellency Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON, which award was received on his Excellency’s behalf by the Acting Governor His Excellency Hon. Lucky Ayedatiwa.
All in all, the FIDA Nigeria 2nd Quarter NEC Meeting, Akure 2023, was a resounding success. Kindly find below links to pictorial representations of all the activities at the NEC meeting for your viewing pleasure.
FIDANigeria #NEC
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria held a review meeting for Women and Girl’s Rights Advocates/CSOs
Earlier today, FIDA Nigeria held a review meeting for Women and Girl’s Rights Advocates/Civil Society Organizations on tracking budget allocations, release and monitoring utilization/implementation of the 2023 National Budget as an Advocacy Tool for addressing Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) / Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) / Harmful Practices (HP)within the FCT.
#FIDANigeria #UNSI #UNWomen
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Celebrates Hilda Baci as she sets a new Guinness World Record for the Longest Cooking Marathon by an Individual – 93 hours 11 minutes
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria Congratulates and heartily Celebrates Nigerian Chef, Hilda Bassey Effiong, as she sets a new Guinness World Record for the Longest Cooking Marathon by an Individual – 93 hours 11 minutes
According to Guinness World Record, “Hilda attempted to set a record of 100 hours, however, almost seven hours were deducted from her final total because she mistakenly took extra minutes for one of her rest breaks early on, in the attempt”
Hilda set the new record on Monday, May 15th 2023 at 8p.m surpassing the previous record held by Lata Tondon, an Indian Chef, in 2019. Lata Tondon cooked for 87 hours, 45 minutes, and 00 seconds to break the previous title.
Hilda Baci was born on September 20, 1996, in Akwa Ibom State. She is a multi-talented Nigerian TV producer, actress, head cook at FoodbyHilda. She cooked over 100 pots of food over the 4 days, to the marvel of those who watched her
As the CEO and head chef of @Myfoodbyhilda, Hilda has developed a reputation for providing delicious and healthy meals using locally sourced ingredients. She is also known for her innovative cooking techniques and creative presentation, which has earned her a loyal following of customers and fans.
FIDA felicitates with her, for being a great unifier and inspiration to many, especially as she has proven that hard work, planning, determination, focus and perseverance pays!!!
We applaud her efforts and successes.
by FIDAWorld Day Against Child Labor: Social Justice for All – End Child Labor!
In marking the World Day Against Child Labor this year, FIDA Nigeria seizes this significant occasion to remind all of the urgent need to eradicate child labor and safeguard the rights of children, particularly in our communities in Nigeria.
We find repeated infringements despite the fact that Nigeria is a signatory to and has ratified or domesticated conventions that ban child labor; it is therefore, sad to note that Child labor is still on the rise in our communities and we must aggressively tackle this evil menace that stifles the proper growth and development of children
Child labour has remained a pervasive issue that affects millions of children globally, depriving them of their childhood, education, and a safe environment
We demand social justice in this respect. In recent years, the term “social justice” has become just as prominent as “human rights. It’s essentially a concept of fairness, equitable division of resources, opportunities, and privileges in society
“The abolition of child labor is a cornerstone of the aspiration for social justice, through which every worker can claim freely and on the basis of equality of opportunity and treatment their fair share of the wealth that they have helped to generate”
To commemorate the “Day Against Child Labor,” FIDA Nigeria through her 45 branches will be organizing a series of events, including seminars, workshops, and awareness campaigns, to highlight the importance of ending child labor.
We invite individuals, organizations, and stakeholders to join us in this noble cause and effectively contribute to creating a world where every child’s right is protected, and their future secured.
FIDA actively supports initiatives that promote the enforcement of effective legislation against child labour, including the strengthening of child protection mechanisms. We work towards empowering communities to identify and report cases of child labour, providing legal aid and support to affected children and their families in line with the theme “Social Justice for All. End Child Labour!”.
FIDA reaffirms its dedication to fighting child labour through legal advocacy, awareness campaigns, and community engagement. We call upon governments, non-governmental organizations, businesses, and communities to unite and take concrete steps to end child labour and protect the well-being of children.
We firmly believe that every child deserves a childhood free from exploitation and the opportunity to develop to their fullest potential.
Together, let us raise our voices, advocate for change, and take action to eliminate child labor.
Join FIDA and stand against child labor on June 12 and every day thereafter.
EndChildLaborNow
Amina Suzanah Agbaje (Mrs)
by FIDAFIDA holds debate for stakeholders towards developing a policy statement on the unconstitutionality of the provision of section 396 (7) of the ACJA in Kano State
In attendance were representative(s) of the Acting Chief Judge of Kano State, NBA Chairman, Ministry of Justice, PCACC, ICPC, Police, Corrections, Faculty of Law BUK, legal aid council, PWAN, and other partners.
Section 396(7) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, was coined to abolish delay of trials occasioned by the elevation of a sitting judge to a higher court, however, this section was decided unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in Udeogu v FRN & Ors.
Premised on this, FIDA Nigeria on Wednesday the 24th of May organized a workshop in Kano State with the support of MacArthur Foundation, for stakeholders to debate on the effect of the unconstitutionality of section 396(7) as decided by the Supreme Court, with an objective to provide a platform for Criminal Justice Actors to discuss the implications the unconstitutionality of this section has on litigants in respect of speedy trials especially relating to corruption cases across various courts.
Inputs from Criminal Justice Actors will be collated, incorporated from discussions ranging from challenges in conclusions of speedy trials, recommendations and practical solutions in enhancing speedy trials taking into cognizance uniqueness of focal states peculiarities and independence in adopting the ACJA.
In attendance were representative(s) of the Acting Chief Judge of Kano State, NBA Chairman, Ministry of Justice, PCACC, ICPC, Police, Corrections, Faculty of Law BUK, legal aid council, PWAN and other partners.
The findings of the workshop will form part of the policy document being developed which will serve as an advocacy tool to relevant stakeholders at the National Level by outlining ways forward in ensuring the intention of the provision to aid the speedy dispensation of justice is preserved
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Held a 3-day Training on Gender Responsive Budgeting
Women remain under-represented in public life, which means that government policy, including economic policy may not take their needs and priorities into account. Policies which appear neutral on the surface may have unintended consequences, including increasing gender inequality.
On this premise, FIDA Nigeria on the 18th to 20th of April 2023, held a 3 day Training Session on Gender Responsive Budgeting as an important Advocacy Tool for Tracking Allocation, Releases, and Monitoring Utilization on Budgets towards addressing VAWG/SGBV/HP in Ebonyi State.
The capacity of the participants were measured through Pre and Post Evaluations and further through group work. They all made their commitments to lead coordinated advocacies to relevant MDAs in an effort to make sure that gender line items appear in every budget and also make sure that allocated resources for gender programs are utilized to improve on the expected outcomes.
